BILLOW Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

billow 1 of 2

noun

ˈbi-(ˌ)lō

as in wave

a moving ridge on the surface of water the great billows created by the ocean storm threatened to swamp the fishing boat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

billow

2 of 2

verb

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of billow

Noun

Three seconds later, the Honda crashes into a parked car with such force its tires fly off the street, the pile of cars lurches forward several feet and snow billows. —

Claire Galofaro, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026 By night, fires dot the serene landscape and smoke billows from chimneys as guests sip cocktails and cocoa or take a sleigh ride over powdery, sparkling snow. —

Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025

Verb

In the portrait, taken in the last few weeks, black smoke billows behind her as her fuchsia headscarf billows in the wind behind her. —

Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026 Images and video posted online show a large plume of smoke and flames billowing out from the refinery. —

ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for billow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow

Noun

Like the swell of a wave drawn irresistibly to the shore.

— Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
The booming resale sector has evolved into a fierce battleground shaped by consolidation — most recently including Ebay’s acquisition of Depop — and sharper positioning, via a wave of fee resets and leadership shifts.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026