1
as in streams
to move in a stream
water was flowing over the dam at a tremendous rate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in glides
to move or proceed smoothly and readily
as everyone relaxed, the conversation really started to flow
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 flows
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
Dark flows rising Even without a peace deal, there have been growing signs that significant volumes of oil are flowing through the strait in tankers with their signals switched off — including with assistance from the US military.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 12 June 2026
What is not a commodity is the work of redesigning how teams operate, where decisions are made and how accountability flows when AI enters the sequence.
—Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Most Red Raiders feel that Texas Tech does not get its proper piece of all of that Permian Basin revenue, which flows legally, and freely, to Texas A&M and the University of Texas; those rights bloat A&M to UT’s respective endowments to the billions, while Tech only gets millions.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
As water flows through the pipes past the obstruction, air pockets can form, creating a gurgling noise.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
There's reason for optimism, judging by bullish options flows around stocks that do better when interest-rates stay lower, and call-buyers who are prepared for the biggest move in Oracle since Covid.
—Oliver Renick, CNBC, 10 June 2026
But, as electricity flows back and forth between the positive and negative sides, a thick, crusty layer of gunk gradually builds up inside the cell.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
But perhaps most controversial is how the update will affect the program’s multibillion-dollar revenue, which flows into the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund each year and is distributed to various programs.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Below that, the main deck is equipped with a spacious salon that flows onto the aft deck, the swim platform, and a garage with space for a 16-foot tender and a Jet Ski.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
Dark flows rising Even without a peace deal, there have been growing signs that significant volumes of oil are flowing through the strait in tankers with their signals switched off — including with assistance from the US military.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 12 June 2026
What is not a commodity is the work of redesigning how teams operate, where decisions are made and how accountability flows when AI enters the sequence.
—Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Most Red Raiders feel that Texas Tech does not get its proper piece of all of that Permian Basin revenue, which flows legally, and freely, to Texas A&M and the University of Texas; those rights bloat A&M to UT’s respective endowments to the billions, while Tech only gets millions.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
As water flows through the pipes past the obstruction, air pockets can form, creating a gurgling noise.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
There's reason for optimism, judging by bullish options flows around stocks that do better when interest-rates stay lower, and call-buyers who are prepared for the biggest move in Oracle since Covid.
—Oliver Renick, CNBC, 10 June 2026
But, as electricity flows back and forth between the positive and negative sides, a thick, crusty layer of gunk gradually builds up inside the cell.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
But perhaps most controversial is how the update will affect the program’s multibillion-dollar revenue, which flows into the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund each year and is distributed to various programs.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Noun
About 20% of the world's oil flows throw the strait, and Iran's ability to block the flow of tankers has roiled the global economy, sending oil prices soaring.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flows
Verb
-
One of many great trout streams that wind through this state, which is really a destination for fly fishing, white water boating — river recreation is huge here in Colorado.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
10 June 2026
-
In the City airs directly after and also streams the next day on Peacock.—
Sarah Hearon,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The verse is tethered to the earth; the chorus glides like a 747.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
-
In the warmer months, don’t skip a ride on The Morgan, Sagamore’s cruising vessel that glides around Lake George.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
As a skin care ingredient, hyaluronic acid floods withered, thirsty skin with moisture, thereby smoothing the appearance of fine lines.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
10 June 2026
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Set within the Benedictine Abbey of Weltenburg, which sits just above a bend in the Danube River, the grounds include a beer garden that’s breathtakingly beautiful but pours only one of the brewery’s three alcohol‑free varieties.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
-
But that overhauled tap system pours very nicely, so order a Manny’s—a pale ale from the local Georgetown Brewing Company that’s a local staple and accessible mid-point in flavor profile between hoppy craft ale and mild old-school lager.—
Mark DeJoy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Cricket drifts far from the contemporary arts scene.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
On Sunday mornings, families gather by the docks along Lake Erie, while church music drifts across the water.—
Kiara Moore,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Heavy rainfall in the area caused torrents and increased the risk of landslides, making rescue operations more difficult, state media said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
-
Spring rains and winter snowmelt have swelled rivers and lakes, forcing torrents of water through Cheboygan County communities on its way to Lake Huron.—
Sarah Brumfield,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The aircraft cruises at 75 knots and can sprint at 90 knots.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
-
The moveable feast, which cruises along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway, will raise funds for LGBTQ-youth organizations and feature a live DJ, open bar and positive vibes.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Researchers believe periodic flooding and river overflows helped preserve the eggs by covering them in sediment millions of years ago.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
-
As long as the 83/17 split remains in place, protecting local waterways from combined sewer overflows will continue to exacerbate the water affordability crisis in Detroit.—
Nicole Van Lier,
The Conversation,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flows. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
