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

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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

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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

The absence of depictions of bows and arrows in many pinturas rupestres may indicate that the groups inhabiting the Serra da Capivara did not use them as weapons. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 One option couldn’t be any cuter with its black cats and purple bows, while another features light pink checks with cheerful jack-o-lanterns and pink bows. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2026 By voting for the ordinance, Councilman Collin Czilli stressed repeatedly, the Republicans were voting to make the use of bows and arrows, paintball guns and other weapons legal. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Finished with French tips, tiny bows, stars, and polka dots, the design strikes the perfect balance between preppy and whimsical. — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 The end of Les Misérables was not the end of the Arena Concert Spectacular, as was forecasted by an oddly score-less set of final bows from the cast. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026 The ballet flats are offered in light pink with tonal trim and blue and white gingham with brown trim, with both pairs featuring dainty bows and gold Larroudé charms. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 Subsequent after-show additions to her Instagram Story included re-posts of audience member IGs with photos and brief video clips of the Hacks actor taking her bows at curtain to a standing ovation. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026 Elyse waited for her daughter to come out while May grew her hair long and asked for bows to wear in it. — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026

Verb

The group bows atop the chart with 369,000 equivalent album units, with traditional album sales accounting for 357,000 of that sum. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026 Sophie Cunningham/transgender debate has no easy right or wrong // FIFA bows to pressure from Europe boycott, abandons private-equity plan // History suggests Miami Dolphins may be surprise team in ’26 // Cancel that intro. — Greg Cote august 16, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 Jokic is a back-to-back champ, and even Kendrick Perkins bows down. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026 The film bows on ITV1 and streaming service ITVX on August 9. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026 The comic is an outgrowth of Shaboozey’s upcoming album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, which bows July 31. — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 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 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

To be fair, the larger creative arc of Hollywood bends towards unoriginality — just look no further than the sequel-laden film release calendars.

— Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s signature boho bends were another defining example of Surf Spray’s cool-girl appeal.

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Definition of bends

Verb

Vhagar dies in the crash and Caraxes succumbs to his injuries a few days after crawling out and into the bowls of Harrenhal.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
When Mina’s closest friend Lucy succumbs to his thrall, the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing is summoned to wage war on this unfathomable threat.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 July 2026

Definition of succumbs

Verb

Firewise is a national program where each community of eight to 200 homes works together to create defensible space and clear brush, agrees to continue the work annually and submits an application to Firewise USA.

— Chuck Page, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
The agency’s bid analysis reflects a process in which each Part D sponsor that wants to offer a standalone plan submits a bid to CMS every year, outlining the insurer’s benefits, costs and list of reimbursable medicines.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of submits

Verb

Uganda, a country that curves around Lake Victoria, took on a completely different shape.

— Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
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

Definition of curves

Verb

The suspect driver surrenders on the 60 Freeway after leading police on a speeding pursuit for over an hour.

— Julie Sharp, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Summer is usually the busiest season for shelters, officials said, as more stray animals, owner surrenders and vulnerable kittens arrive.

— Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of surrenders

Verb

The airy weave diffuses daylight through the fabric’s natural texture, while the versatile curtain band works with tracks, curtain rods, or hooks for a clean installation.

— Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Blatt hooks in a forehand for another match point opportunity, but Campbell wins an amazing rally for 22-22.

— Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of bows

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

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