as in bends
something that curves or is curved
her full lips form a pair of perfect bows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in succumbs
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
finally bowed to the judge's insistence that she change her outfit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in submits
to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit)
bowed to the craving for fresh coffee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in curves
to turn away from a straight line or course
the river bows gently to the north before it reaches the sea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arches
to cause to turn away from a straight line
you'll have to gently bow the strip of wood in order to fit it in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bows
Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
Many of the clothes were produced from deadstock or second-hand fabrics, while some were made to be modular with zips or bows allowing sleeves or trouser legs to be added or removed for different occasions.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024
Be professional, ride out your contract playing damn good ball, and take your bows, then move on.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
Combine them with a neutral background so that the bows are the real main characters.
—Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024
To match the tree, the family wrapped their gifts in white wrapping paper with bright red bows.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024
The tour begins in the couple's front entryway, where pink and green pastel ribbon bows adorn a banister leading upstairs.
—Tabitha Parent, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Take a look at their years of unforgettable Christmas card photos, from the early days of plaid dresses and matching bows to modern artistic expressions that include 3D concepts and world-class photographers.
—Kate Hogan, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The first two are set to top $70 million and $35-40 million in their respective domestic bows, as the latter boost their blockbuster runs to about $760 million and $560 million, respectively.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
Hearth & Harbor Wrapping Paper Storage Container Don’t let good wrapping paper go to waste with this storage container that can hold up to 24 rolls of paper, bows, ribbon, and supplies like scissors and tape.
—Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Jan. 2025
Many of the clothes were produced from deadstock or second-hand fabrics, while some were made to be modular with zips or bows allowing sleeves or trouser legs to be added or removed for different occasions.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024
Be professional, ride out your contract playing damn good ball, and take your bows, then move on.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
Combine them with a neutral background so that the bows are the real main characters.
—Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024
To match the tree, the family wrapped their gifts in white wrapping paper with bright red bows.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024
The tour begins in the couple's front entryway, where pink and green pastel ribbon bows adorn a banister leading upstairs.
—Tabitha Parent, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Take a look at their years of unforgettable Christmas card photos, from the early days of plaid dresses and matching bows to modern artistic expressions that include 3D concepts and world-class photographers.
—Kate Hogan, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
The first two are set to top $70 million and $35-40 million in their respective domestic bows, as the latter boost their blockbuster runs to about $760 million and $560 million, respectively.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bows
winds
Noun
-
The region remains under severe red flag warnings as dry, unpredictable and strong offshore winds pick up across the region.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2025
-
The Palisades and Eaton fires were burning out of control in Los Angeles County as ferocious winds fueled the fast-moving blazes.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
8 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bows. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share