as in rolling
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Dissimilar Words
as in protruding
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind
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Recent Examples of billowing
Abby Dodge, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
In a video shared to Hits Radio's Instagram, Coel, 38, could be seen with her hand inside her Loewe gown and adjusting its top, which is when Hathaway, 43, decided to use the billowing bell sleeves of her Iris van Herpen couture gown as a curtain.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Israeli warplanes have unleashed an intense barrage of strikes on the southern town of Nabatiyeh, sending giant plumes of black smoke billowing over the regional hub of southern Lebanon.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
On either side, the bodice of Blanchett's gown split into two billowing sleeves that tapered at her wrists.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Louise touched her phone screen to look at the picture of Diana again—gorgeous Diana smiling into the wind, all that thick hair billowing.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Smoke billowing from a rooftop could be seen from long distance.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2026
As mourners arrived at Middleton High School, they were greeted by a three-story flag billowing from the outstretched ladder of Middleton Rural Fire Department’s Engine 51.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Dramatic footage shows flames and thick black smoke billowing from the area around the airport, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
—Moriah Thomas, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
As of Monday night and early Tuesday morning, most of the information about the Highway 41 Fire has been preliminary, and video from the scene of the fire showed large flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
In a video shared to Hits Radio's Instagram, Coel, 38, could be seen with her hand inside her Loewe gown and adjusting its top, which is when Hathaway, 43, decided to use the billowing bell sleeves of her Iris van Herpen couture gown as a curtain.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Israeli warplanes have unleashed an intense barrage of strikes on the southern town of Nabatiyeh, sending giant plumes of black smoke billowing over the regional hub of southern Lebanon.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
On either side, the bodice of Blanchett's gown split into two billowing sleeves that tapered at her wrists.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Louise touched her phone screen to look at the picture of Diana again—gorgeous Diana smiling into the wind, all that thick hair billowing.
—Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Smoke billowing from a rooftop could be seen from long distance.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Apr. 2026
As mourners arrived at Middleton High School, they were greeted by a three-story flag billowing from the outstretched ladder of Middleton Rural Fire Department’s Engine 51.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Dramatic footage shows flames and thick black smoke billowing from the area around the airport, while firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
—Moriah Thomas, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billowing
Adjective
-
This included cuts to CalFresh that began the day the bill passed and are scheduled to keep being implemented on a rolling basis through October 2027, according to the California Budget & Policy Center.—
Graham Womack
May 9,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
-
Senior housing transaction volume hit $24 billion on a rolling four-quarter basis through the end of 2025—the highest level in a decade—according to JLL’s 2026 Seniors Housing and Care Investor Survey and Trends Outlook, released in March.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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The post quickly drew a wave of reactions online, with some users poking fun at both the situation and Jones’ outfit.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
Here, Ibrahima Konate has the simple task of poking the ball through United’s midfield, Wirtz swaps passes with Szoboszlai, and then has a decent attempt at goal.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another effective anti-swelling remedy is a delicious snack that may be hiding in the fridge.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Reiner sat mostly expressionless in the courtroom—his eyes wide open and bulging.—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This results in bulging eyes (proptosis) due to swelling or pressure behind your eyes.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Thanks to her thick hair and naturally wavy texture, Rosalía’s collarbone-length chop looks particularly full-bodied and voluminous.—
Mykenna Maniece,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
-
Each wavy stripe is rendered in beige leather, as well as the toe-tip.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Billowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billowing. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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