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
Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
One year ago, the world watched as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, as then Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for billow
Noun
Rol has so far counted 148 vehicles burned by the fire, which produced billows of black smoke visible from across metro Denver.
—Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Verb
Dramatic video recorded by a mountain guide near the crater of Mount Dukono showed a massive column of smoke and ash billowing above the volcano.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
One year ago, the world watched as white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, as then Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
-
Reed burst onto the movie-criticism scene in the 1960s, and was part of a wave of new reviewers, Pauline Kael among them, who offered a sharper, jazzier alternative to the more staid forms of analysis that had been showcased by major outlets.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 May 2026
-
The first wave will cross the area during the afternoon and early evening hours.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Under the flaps of his jacket there was a small tear in his T-shirt, directly over his left nipple, which protruded like a knot of purple rope.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
-
And in turn, the 867-foot monolith protruding from the surrounding Wyoming prairie like the stump of the world’s largest tree became a big draw for tourists.—
Marnie Hunter,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The swell of political dissatisfaction with Starmer from many of his colleagues, and what appears to be his narrow escape from an immediate leadership challenge, provides the impetus for the government to revamp its legislative agenda.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Aggressive bears are known to stalk, claw and even bite tourists in Great Smoky National Park, but rangers say one recent encounter involved a bear poking a hiker with its big wet nose.—
Mark Price
May 12,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
-
Many curious passersby poked their heads inside, wondering if the restaurant was serving food again.—
Iris Kwok
May 12,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Her stomach bulged beneath her I ❤ FLORIDA boatneck and her face was round and waxy-pale.—
Stephen King,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2026
-
But if the gland expands or droops, which is common with age, a portion of it can escape those confines, bulging out below the jawbone and appearing as a lump in the neck.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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