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
Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
The claim: Image shows bus crash that killed at least 135 people in December 2024
A Dec. 10 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows vehicles parked in a grassy field and billows of smoke and fire rising in the distance.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
Following several rounds Wednesday and Thursday in which no pope received the two-thirds majority necessary to be elected, white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening in Rome, signaling a new pope had been chosen.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Noun
Images from the scene show Lancaster Township Fire Department surrounding the two-story house as smoke billows from the roof, firefighters swarming the inside and outside of the structure.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
The claim: Image shows bus crash that killed at least 135 people in December 2024
A Dec. 10 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows vehicles parked in a grassy field and billows of smoke and fire rising in the distance.
—Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
Hours after white smoke billowed from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel signaling the selection of a new Pope, faithful followers flocked to Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral to say prayers and offer best wishes to Chicago native Robert Cardinal Prevost, the new Catholic Holy Father.
—Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
Following several rounds Wednesday and Thursday in which no pope received the two-thirds majority necessary to be elected, white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening in Rome, signaling a new pope had been chosen.
—Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
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The boycott drew widespread opposition from centrist and right-leaning Jewish groups, a wave of state-level legal challenges and led to a court battle that lasted years.—
Ben Sales,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2025
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Furthermore, the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (FR2), which offers higher bandwidth and throughput, can significantly enhance satellite communications.—
Iri Trashanki,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Verb
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But in May 2023, while out for a run, the New Hampshire native noticed something strange: a large bump protruding from her abdomen.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
2 May 2025
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The actor shared memories of the time his balls unwittingly protruded out of his boxer briefs during an off-Broadway production, on the latest episode of the SmartLess podcast.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Multiple factors contribute to the discovery of bodies in the spring time, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, pointing to increasing water temperatures, the rate of water currents and a swell of activity on the water.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
7 May 2025
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The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first measles case Wednesday — news that comes amid a swell of measles cases across the country.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The actor also poked fun at his name in a pre-show interview with Pat’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, after thanking her for saying it correctly.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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Several viewers have shared their own opinions on what the goldendoodle's decision to stay downstairs with the man means, while others have expressed how similarly their own pets behave, or poked fun at the viral moment, causing joy among viewers.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Verb
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That’s Meghan addressing her children, by the way, not their bulging one-way inboxes.—
Claire Cohen,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
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The $499 Pixel 9a is a refreshing take on modern smartphones, thanks to its clean rear design and lack of a bulging camera module – similar to Apple’s iPhone 16e.—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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