bolt

Definition of boltnext
1
as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) I bolted as I read the winning lottery numbers

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2
3
4
as in to exclaim
to utter with a sudden burst of strong feeling bolted out the cuss word without thinking

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5
as in to inhale
to swallow or eat greedily the way you bolted those hot dogs, it's no wonder you're feeling a little queasy

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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 bolt Traditional solar panel systems, which can cost more than $20,000, are bolted to a homeowner's roof. Jeff Brady, NPR, 12 Mar. 2026 That was accomplished by bolting together several aluminum panels. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 Mar. 2026 Center Tyler Linderbaum, who made the Pro Bowl three times in four years after the Ravens picked him in the first round in 2022, bolted to Las Vegas. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 But, lo and behold, the game survived the pitch clock without Kenesaw Mountain Landis bolting from his slumber, so now comes the ABS challenge to stir the pot even more. Kevin Sherrington mar. 9, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt
Verb
  • People reported victims jumping from the upper floor as the fire raged.
    Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Impatience or frustration could jump out.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Not all fans were racing aficionados.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Mar. 2026
  • But Cockrum raced down the court for a layup, barely beating the buzzer to cut the lead to 19-16 entering the final quarter.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Weatherproofing required The project is currently the only one of its kind flying in Scandinavia.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The Warriors will play at Detroit on Friday, and then fly to Atlanta to take on the Hawks the next day.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Trump exclaimed on Truth Social after his initial call for help was rebuffed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Denard exclaims, using an emerging slur against robots and AI.
    Neda Ulaby, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Studies have shown how lead particles that fell to the ground were kicked back up into the air again where people could inhale them, along with other contaminants.
    Armin Sorooshian, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Humans are evolutionarily designed for hunting and gathering — not for lifting 50-pound boxes for eight hours straight or inhaling toxic dust in an industrial sanding booth.
    Vivek Ranadive, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But on a Sunday morning in July 1595, the groan of the heavy wooden door startled him from his gesticulations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
  • That caused the sonic booms and explosive noises that startled so many people.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Several commercial outfits have recently announced big funding influxes aimed at speeding up the development and launch of new orbiting outposts.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Poehling took a pass from Killorn, sped down the left side, cut right and shot against the grain to the left.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • From April 2020 to July 2025, 182,000 residents fled to other states, causing a demographic decline and a serious brain drain.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
  • When officers tried to intervene, the man fled in a car, police said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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