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
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Recent Examples of billow
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
Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The look came complete with a pumpkin-carriage purse, LED lights that accentuated the blue gown, and special effects smoke billowing from the magic wand of her stylist, Law Roach—a fashion fairy godmother in the flesh.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Sunday dove right into seasonal florals in a strapless pink and lilac gown with a billowing bodice.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The look came complete with a pumpkin-carriage purse, LED lights that accentuated the blue gown, and special effects smoke billowing from the magic wand of her stylist, Law Roach—a fashion fairy godmother in the flesh.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
-
Financially dependent on her parents throughout her youth and confused by waves of calm or small kindnesses, Gross wrestled with distancing herself for some time before cutting contact with her parents and brothers as an adult.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
-
When the Fontainebleau Hotel faced a skeptical city board and a wave of community opposition to a plan to add water slides to its pool deck, the hotel’s billionaire owner pushed successfully for a change to state law to move the project forward.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Her fangs protrude, her nails lengthen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
-
Hemorrhoids are common and treatable, but bleeding, severe pain, lingering symptoms, or protruding hemorrhoids should be checked by a doctor.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When Andrei Vasilevskiy tried to poke the puck away, Bolduc had moved so deep into the crease area that the puck went off him and into the net for his first career playoff goal.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Then with a little nudging, the clumsy newborn finds the udder bulging between the cow’s back legs and hungrily suckles colostrum so critical for its first feeding.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Reiner sat mostly expressionless in the courtroom—his eyes wide open and bulging.—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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