Synonyms of bob

bob 1 of 3

verb (1)

as in to shave

to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument

bobbed her waist-length hair herself on her 18th birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shave
• cut
• trim
• clip
• mow
• snip
• cut back
• shear
• prune
• pare
• dock
• lop (off)
• crop
• poll
• nip
• whittle
• stump
• shorten
• skive
• pinch
• manicure
• curtail

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• lengthen
• elongate

bob

2 of 3

verb (2)

ˈbäb 

1

as in to pump

to make short up-and-down movements

a family of ducks bobbing on the water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pump
• shake
• jerk
• sway
• nod
• wag
• jog
• bobble
• duck
• rock
• jounce
• wiggle
• swing
• seesaw
• wobble
• oscillate
• undulate
• wabble
• jiggle
• drop

2

as in to hit

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner

he playfully bobbed his brother on the nose to get his attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hit
• bang
• smack
• slap
• knock
• punch
• clap
• clip
• slam
• pound
• whack
• strike
• swipe
• bat
• crack
• bop
• nail
• chop
• box
• kick
• hammer
• thump
• swat
• tag
• bash
• slug
• poke
• tap
• zap
• biff
• lick
• jab
• clock
• flick
• sock
• belt
• thwack
• push
• bludgeon
• paste
• clobber
• bonk
• whale
• clout
• rap
• shove
• smite
• stab
• bump
• stroke
• bust
• slog
• wallop
• rough
• pepper
• maul
• pummel
• hang one on
• pelt
• bung
• lash
• mangle
• knee
• beat
• cuff
• butt
• slash
• batter
• cane
• stamp
• dump
• buffet
• fell
• lambast
• spear
• cream
• lace
• deck
• lambaste
• drub
• whip
• scuff
• prod
• bean
• pommel
• jostle
• conk
• club
• floor
• brain
• flail
• knock down
• bunt
• switch
• sledge
• bowl (down or over)
• skull
• cudgel
• level
• sap
• flog
• thrash
• sucker punch
• sledgehammer
• rabbit-punch

bob

3 of 3

noun

Scottish

as in bouquet

a bunch of flowers

the lassie carried only a little bob on her wedding day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bouquet
• posy
• nosegay
• garland
• corsage
• lei
• arrangement
• boutonniere

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bob

Verb

By Tuesday morning a public bathroom that once stood on the wharf bobbed along the coast. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024

During a visit this month by NBC News, vacationers lounged on soft sand beaches and surfers bobbed in the water. —Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 26 Dec. 2024

Noun

Characterized by soft, subtle layers that sit just above the shoulders, Bickmore says the Italian bob offers the perfect balance of volume and movement. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 29 Dec. 2024

From shock dye jobs to sculptural nail art, bobs (and more bobs), and trend-transcending makeup looks: each new week brings something for your Pinterest board and next nail appointment. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Jan. 2025