BOWS Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

bows 1 of 3

noun

plural of bow

as in bends

something that curves or is curved her full lips form a pair of perfect bows

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bows

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of bow

as in succumbs

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) finally bowed to the judge's insistence that she change her outfit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in submits

to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit) bowed to the craving for fresh coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bows

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of bow

as in curves

to turn away from a straight line or course the river bows gently to the north before it reaches the sea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightens

as in arches

to cause to turn away from a straight line you'll have to gently bow the strip of wood in order to fit it in

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 bows

Noun

Skip fake florals, door bows, and chimes, which can look cheap or annoy neighbors. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 23 June 2026 The second movie ended with at least two character threads not tied up in bows. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026 So, upon seeing him each day, Blubaugh lies face-down on the ground and bows in Imai’s presence. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 July 2026 The adjustable dividers can be added or removed to fit the length of your rolls, and the divider doubles as space for ribbon and bows, preventing them from getting crushed. — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 The teensy blueberries, dainty scalloped edges, and slender bows give off a sweet, romantic energy. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 July 2026 The heels feature translucent PVC material with tiny grosgrain ribbon bows in black, an open toe, and a snap closure ankle strap. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 Chrissy Metz does final bows during her first night on & Juliet on Broadway on June 23 in New York City. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 And yet, in spite of its Clark and Dearborn gambit and an hourlong finale that ties far too many bows on top of bows, Season 5 works because its artistic machinations are rooted in character over plot, and the characters are what matters. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 June 2026

Verb

The series bows on aTwist in mid-August. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 June 2026 The film bows in Berlin’s Perspectives section. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 In another image, Kate bows her head and pulls Princess Charlotte tightly into her for a hug. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 When two angels in disguise as men arrive in Sodom, Lot meets them at the town gates, bows reverently, and invites them to pass the night in his house. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 President Curtis bows on Adult Swim July 26. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026 With her hand over her heart, the pair appear to have a heartfelt moment together, before each of them holds their hands together and bows toward each other in a traditional Thai gesture. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025 Inside, surrounded by butter lamps and intricate iconography, even my skeptical husband bows before the Buddha. — Shunali Khullar Shroff, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Nov. 2025 Lillocci contributed to the design of Canali’s fall 2026 lineup but his first full collection in this new role bows for spring 2027, which will be unveiled in Milan on Sunday. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bows

Noun

Despite Iran’s threats, 20 of those ships had taken a route far south of Iran that hugs the coastline of the United Arab Emirates and bends along Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, avoiding Iranian waters.

— Matthew Mulligan, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Follow with 5–10 side bends per side, reaching toward your knee while keeping your movements slow and controlled.

— RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 24 June 2026

Definition of bends

Verb

With three days to go before Krypto succumbs to the slow-acting agent, Supergirl sets out on a cosmic adventure to retrieve the antidote, confronting her emotional trauma along the way.

— Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.

— Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

Definition of succumbs

Verb

Schools have 15 days to respond once a parent submits a letter requesting their child be tested for dyslexia.

— Samuel O’Neal Updated June 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
Michaels adamantly submits that the answer is not submission in silence but a strong determination to fight for a party that once stood for America’s vision of liberty and justice for all, regardless of race or religion.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026

Definition of submits

Verb

Tumon Bay, the island’s main resort district, curves in a sweep of gorgeous waters backed by limestone cliffs and a skyline of hotels that reflect Guam’s long‑standing popularity with Japanese and Korean travelers.

— David Dickstein, Oc Register, 17 June 2026
Phoebe Philo’s version, a backless white tank with a dramatic ruffle that curves across the waist and up the shoulder blades transforms the silhouette into an avant-garde sculpture.

— Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 June 2026

Definition of curves

Verb

Smith arches over the patient, his body an umbrella to protect the wound.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
The protective netting that arches over so many of the roads in the eastern Donbas region – stopping drones in their tracks – is not your friend here, but a limitation on movement.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

Definition of arches

Noun

There are hardly any flat architectural surfaces, and NAUSICAÄ is shaped by curvatures and louvred details.

— Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Its outstanding appeal, grandish curvatures and extraordinary interior design are just the norm for the upscale interior brand.

— Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025

Definition of curvatures

Verb

Ceiling hooks for fishing rods, cargo door for two bikes, spray hose for cleaning gear and heated locker for drying it.

— Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
How Many Calories Rucking Burns The calorie math is what hooks many newcomers, particularly men in their 40s trying to recapture lost ground.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of hooks

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bow out

bows

bows out

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“Bows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bows. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bows

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

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