FLOWS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

flows 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of flow

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

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

flows

2 of 2

noun

plural of flow

as in floods

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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

Verb

Luserna stone, used for flooring, terraces, and the pool deck, flows seamlessly into the interior as well, laid in large bush-hammered and brushed slabs. — Elena Dallorso, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 That is despite the bank expecting Brent crude to stabilize at approximately $80 per barrel as recent crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz gradually normalize. — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 The Arapiuns flows into the Tapajos, one of the Amazon River’s major tributaries, across waterways so vast that navigating them can feel like crossing the open sea. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 Meticulous but never overbearing staff ensure that everything flows without a hitch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Violence flows freely in Rodriguez’s homage to vampire B-movies, while offensive humor spews from the lips of the main characters. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 The Merrimack River, which flows through the center of campus, was itself the power source that fueled the region’s early industrial rise. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 But his work, like Richardson’s, mainly focused on three-dimensional systems in which energy flows from large features to small ones. — Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026 Others questioned whether Miami is losing control over its own identity as outside money flows into the city. — Luisa Yanez october 2, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 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

Icy water vapor streams away from SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship rocket during a fueling test a week before launch.

— William Harwood, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
The flooding was particularly deadly in East Tennessee, where swollen rivers and streams overwhelmed communities.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of streams

Verb

Its nonslip handle has an ergonomic shape to get a comfortable grip, and the blade glides smoothly to peel away the skin without removing the best parts of the fruit underneath it.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
Ma wanted to call me Lili, music that glides off the back of your teeth.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of glides

Verb

Marc Andreessen, whose venture firm Andreessen Horowitz pours billions into defense tech firms, including Anduril, was named to the Pentagon's defense policy board this summer, alongside Thiel Capital's Blake Masters.

— Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Draperies offer a visual divide, and natural sunlight pours through the windows to brighten the space.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of pours

Verb

And as the story drifts to Miami, London, New York, and back to Kingston again, it’s held together by James’ passion for the era’s pop culture and his characters’ will to survive in the face of hatred.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
All parents struggle in some way to adjust to life as empty nesters, but Charlie leaves his mom and dad in a somber, reflective state that casts a heavy pall over an episode that drifts toward the turgid.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of drifts

Noun

Such terrain is already conducive to flash flooding, sudden torrents that can sweep down canyons and other low-lying areas with little warning.

— Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision unleashed unlimited torrents of money into political campaigns, elections are now largely financed by big money donors and super PACs.

— Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of torrents

Noun

Minor tidal overflows, especially during the late morning high tides.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
The governor’s office said the state was securing its harbors, deploying emergency personnel to strategic locations and monitoring dams for any possible breaches or overflows.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of overflows

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“Flows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flows. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of flows

verb

noun

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