1
2
as in races
to proceed or move quickly
the cat bolted for the food dish the minute he spied it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in retreats
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the rabbit bolted when it saw the fox approaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in inhales
to swallow or eat greedily
the way you bolted those hot dogs, it's no wonder you're feeling a little queasy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bolts
Parsley is a biennial that quickly bolts and dies the second year, and since second-year parsley is bitter, it’s typically grown as an annual.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolts
Verb
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Mark Hallberg Hallberg, 39, jumps out as the most viable replacement for Melvin among the Giants’ internal options despite having no experience managing in the majors.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
30 Sep. 2025
-
At the pickup location, often down a remote dirt road, lawyers said, a group of migrants jumps into the car.—
Avery Schmitz,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While the movie easily races from one scene to another at a break-neck pace, behind the scenes, the local production work was a massive undertaking, bringing together public officials from multiple city, county and federal agencies.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
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RDREs use a detonation wave that races around a circular channel, which produces short, high-pressure bursts that drive up thrust and efficiency.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Burnley’s midfielders shift over in response, while Walker retreats to create the back five Burnley had used to defend the box up to that point.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Rest & Relaxation follows Amandeep (Mani), who in seeking solace on the brink of a life-changing decision, retreats to a secluded bed and breakfast where the eclectic guests challenge her preconceptions of family.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Bertinelli exclaims, pointing an accusing finger at Malick.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Sep. 2025
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The loudness to which Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler) exclaims that he is aroused was wild considering Lily (Cathy Ang) is in the next room.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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DirectStorage speeds up game load times, making the most of modern hardware.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
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Castro used creative building methods and took advantage of special zoning and state laws, helping keep costs low and speeds up construction.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Another banner flies high above Hard Rock Stadium Another home game, another banner.—
David Wilson,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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Sprinting to the corners in transition as someone like Hart flies up the court with the basketball is one way to do that.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ben shouts out of his car window.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
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Shannon shouts, her words drifting back to Jenn in the rear seat.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Without virtue, liberty collapses into chaos, and freedom devours itself.—
Carolyn McKinney,
Boston Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Every revolution devours its children.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
21 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolts. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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