flower 1 of 2

noun

ˈflau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce flower (audio)
Definition of flowernext
1
as in bloom
the usually showy plant part that produces seeds flowers are always a thoughtful gift

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in blooming
a state or time of great activity, thriving, or achievement the skiing season is usually in full flower by Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class without exception, the flower of this year's graduating class will be going to prestigious colleges

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

flower

2 of 2

verb

as in to bloom
to produce flowers the plant will keep flowering if you water it and regularly cut off the dead blossoms

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 flower
Noun
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular perennials thanks to their showy flowers and interesting foliage. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 Bring the plant or flower with you to the vet for identification if possible, and remove the plant from your pet’s reach to prevent further exposure. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Verb
As the world obsesses over AI, pumping endless time and money into the next revolution, the obsessions and revolutions of the past are still there lingering — and some might finally be ready to flower away from the spotlight. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 July 2026 Wimbledon's second week continues with fashion making headlines, led by Naomi Osaka, whose creative all-white ensembles, including a ruffled skirt and flower Nike jacket, transformed the court into a runway. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flower
  1. bloom
  2. blooming
  3. best
  4. blossom
  5. aristocracy
  6. cream
  7. pink
  8. top
Noun
  • The technique works best on blooms with soft petals that are large enough to gently manipulate without tearing or bruising.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
  • In spring, vibrant azaleas burst into bloom, adding even more color to one of the town’s most tranquil corners.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of bloom
Noun
  • While a balanced fertilizer is fine, avoid nitrogen-heavy products like a 10-3-3, which can cause excessive green leafy growth and slow blooming as lots of nitrogen will encourage the plant to focus more on producing foliage.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • How to Care for Container Roses Roses need adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization to encourage growth and healthy annual blooming.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Definition of blooming
Noun
  • Atwell, the 26-year-old five-year veteran, has modest career bests of 67 receptions (2023), 562 yards (2024), and three touchdowns (2023).
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Mahrez is retiring from international soccer as a five-time Premier League winner and one of Africa's bests.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of best
Verb
  • While its roots go back to Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood in the 1930s, tiki culture blossomed after World War II, when American soldiers came back from the Pacific theater with stories of tropical islands.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • As the 1990s progressed, the Boston blossomed into a fashion statement for a wider audience.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Definition of blossom
Noun
  • Orangeries, once a status symbol for European aristocracy, are a glamorous accoutrement in large town or country houses.
    — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • At last, Jones also thought, there was a chance to spotlight the dynamic between North Wales‘ working-class community and its aristocracy on the big screen, a corner of Britain’s social history that has long been sidelined.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • The monkey has a glossy black coat, long fur, a sweeping tail and striking orange-cream facial markings, said researchers from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the City University of New York Graduate Center in statements on Wednesday.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • If you’re used to the butter- and cream-laden side dishes that have become fixtures of the American steakhouse, the offerings at Baldi might appear lackluster.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of cream
Noun
  • Teal is coming out on top, with its mesmerizing mix of sea-blue and green undertones, as well as flamingo pinks flecked with iridescent shimmer particles.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Flowers in shades of gentle pinks and purples have an enduring appeal and can make just as much of an impact as bolder colors.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
Definition of pink
Noun
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said the president may discuss the war in Iran and the state of the economy at the top of the speech.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
  • The matching top and pants can also be worn separately throughout a trip.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
Definition of top

Browse Nearby Words

flowed
flower
flowered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flower. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on flower

Nglish: Translation of flower for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flower

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dog days

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All