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

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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

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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

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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
In lieu of flowers, Parton’s family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 To avoid self-pollination, roughly half of all avocado trees (A-type) are programmed to open female flowers in the morning and male flowers in the afternoon; the other half follow the opposite pattern (B-type). — ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
But on Wednesday, Chris Bonelli, Waymo’s product communications manager, summoned one of the all-electric, custom robotaxis to the flowering neighborhood park not far from Cherry Creek to demonstrate the technology to the press. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 Nectar Blue™ salvia is a heavy blooming variety that begins flowering in mid-spring and continues well into fall. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 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
  • Temperatures are at record highs, currents are shifting and stronger storms wash more pollutants into the water, including sewage and fertilizers, which can trigger huge algae blooms.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Like much of Florida and the entire Caribbean, Cancún experienced significant blooms throughout 2026.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of bloom
Noun
  • Cutting back is done in mid-summer when foliage looks ragged and blooming slows to increase plant vigor, control height, and encourage a second flush of blooms.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Once blooms fade, seeds eventually begin to form, the plant becomes leggy, and blooming slows.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 July 2026
Definition of blooming
Noun
  • Benton had career bests in tackles (51), tackles for loss (6) and sacks (5 1/2) while helping the Steelers to the AFC North title.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • With the three-row Kia Sorento, the Hyundai Palisade retains the South Korean brands’ 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, both segment and industry bests.
    — James Raia, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of best
Verb
  • Rather than trade Ohtani for Caminero, who has blossomed into a two-time All-Star at 23, the team added at the deadline in hopes of sneaking into the wild-card race.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Now the extraordinary, blossoming Matisse faces in the direction of the original site for which it was designed, like a living memory.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of blossom
Noun
  • Just a few days earlier at Palazzo Brancaccio, the ladies of the Roman aristocracy had vied to appear in the ballroom scenes, perhaps hoping to meet Gregory Peck.
    — Daria Egidi, Vanity Fair, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Upon his arrival in London, Mai became something of a celebrity among the aristocracy, and was welcomed by King George III.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • An agreement paramount to Idaho dairy Idaho’s dairy industry may see the biggest impacts from the Canadian tariffs, which will target milk, cream and whey at 50%, and cheese at 25%.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The portable, retractable cream stick delivers warmth and definition rather than a wash of color, blending easily across the cheekbones, temples, and other areas where the sun naturally hits.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of cream
Noun
  • Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Curtis unfolded a map of the museum with eight galleries circled in hot pink.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pink
Noun
  • While dark-wash jeans, trench coats, and sweaters may be top of mind, don’t forget your footwear.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Here’s a snapshot of those findings (not in chronological order, because AI’s top of mind these days; plus, my colleague made a cool interactive graphic for you).
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of top

Browse Nearby Words

flowed
flower
flowered
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Cite this Entry

“Flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flower. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flower

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flower

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