as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of billow
Claire Galofaro, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
By night, fires dot the serene landscape and smoke billows from chimneys as guests sip cocktails and cocoa or take a sleigh ride over powdery, sparkling snow.
—Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
Max Rego, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
Blue and pink smoke began to billow from the top of the building, followed by explosions and a soft roar that crescendoed to a giant thud as all floors collapsed in under 20 seconds.
—Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for billow
Noun
Three seconds later, the Honda crashes into a parked car with such force its tires fly off the street, the pile of cars lurches forward several feet and snow billows.
—Claire Galofaro, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
By night, fires dot the serene landscape and smoke billows from chimneys as guests sip cocktails and cocoa or take a sleigh ride over powdery, sparkling snow.
—Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
The command also posted an 18-second unclassified video of the strike, showing the boat in the water before it is hit by a blast, causing smoke to billow from it.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026
Blue and pink smoke began to billow from the top of the building, followed by explosions and a soft roar that crescendoed to a giant thud as all floors collapsed in under 20 seconds.
—Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
-
Financially dependent on her parents throughout her youth and confused by waves of calm or small kindnesses, Gross wrestled with distancing herself for some time before cutting contact with her parents and brothers as an adult.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
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When the Fontainebleau Hotel faced a skeptical city board and a wave of community opposition to a plan to add water slides to its pool deck, the hotel’s billionaire owner pushed successfully for a change to state law to move the project forward.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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In one shared by the road commission, the rushing, foaming flow might be confused for a threatening river if not for the road guardrails protruding from the water.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
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Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When Andrei Vasilevskiy tried to poke the puck away, Bolduc had moved so deep into the crease area that the puck went off him and into the net for his first career playoff goal.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nicholas Galitzine, resplendent with wavy blond hair and bulging muscles, has the power.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Rather than use a standard shopping basket or bag, the man’s backpack appeared to be bulging at the seams — its straps straining under the weight of unidentified and clearly heavy cargo.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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