BILLOW Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

billow 1 of 2

noun

ˈbi-(ˌ)lō

Definition of billow

as in wave

a moving ridge on the surface of water the great billows created by the ocean storm threatened to swamp the fishing boat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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billow

2 of 2

verb

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind

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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 billow

Noun

Taking a pass Smoke billows from a fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers in September 2024. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 19 Aug. 2026 For eight brutal days, residents of Boyle Heights watched smoke billow from a burning warehouse and prayed the flames would spare their homes. — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Verb

And then there’s this suit—the billowing pants, the jacket closed just so, worn with socks and sandals. — Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Mary’s gown billowed in the wind; in fact, the whole illustration showed the storm, from the water breaking against the monastery to the kneeling pilgrims, bundled for warmth, waiting out the downpour on the shore. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for billow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow

Noun

Two weeks later, a wave of protests had swept cities across France.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
The death of actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte was met with a wave of grief from his Breaking Bad co-stars, who shared memories of Mitte following the tragedy.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of wave

Noun

California did not experience any rain or wind before massive swells overtook Laguna Beach, where a portion of the PCH remains closed as sections crack and slide down toward the ocean.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026
Surf was even less accessible, dependent on coastline and a lucky swell.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of swell

Verb

Some, including the Idaho Potato Commission, swear that the way a baked potato is opened affects the texture, eschewing a knife for a fork to gently poke a plus sign into the surface.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of poke

Verb

Simmons has been out since training camp, with what head coach Andy Reid more recently called a bulging disc in his back.

— Sam McDowell October 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Like clockwork, Khloé’s eye starts bulging out, Kylie Jenner grows a tail, and Kourtney’s face becomes a fingernail.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bulge

Browse Nearby Words

bill of fare

billow

billowed

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Style

“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of billow

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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