as in rolling
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Dissimilar Words
as in protruding
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of billowing
Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Steam rises from the water, billowing white in the clear, cold air.
—Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Patients evacuated amid hospital blaze A fire tore through a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital, sending smoke billowing into the air as dozens of patients were evacuated and emergency medical crews were rushed in from across the region, authorities said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Shadow Language emphasizes atmosphere over rhythm, with structures carefully built up around soft, billowing textures.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Bell remembered during the Stars on Ice tour in 2022 when the skaters rolled into a new city, tired, groggy and sore from the long bus ride, Liu, dressed in a baggy hoodie and billowing sweatpants, could go on the ice and throw perfect jumps without warning.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Photos from the scene showed billowing flames and smoke overtaking the orthopedic center.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
For the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team France showed some hometown pride, with a presentation of colorful smoke that resembled the country's flag billowing over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
The redone interiors, courtesy of designer Luis Pons, have white-beam ceilings and billowing white curtains with pops of color in the headboards, artwork, and rugs.
—Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
The design is lighter, brighter, and breezier, with signature billowing white curtains, surrealist design pieces, and 171 guest rooms and suites that feels as luxe as ever.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Steam rises from the water, billowing white in the clear, cold air.
—Rick Jordan, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Patients evacuated amid hospital blaze A fire tore through a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital, sending smoke billowing into the air as dozens of patients were evacuated and emergency medical crews were rushed in from across the region, authorities said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Shadow Language emphasizes atmosphere over rhythm, with structures carefully built up around soft, billowing textures.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Bell remembered during the Stars on Ice tour in 2022 when the skaters rolled into a new city, tired, groggy and sore from the long bus ride, Liu, dressed in a baggy hoodie and billowing sweatpants, could go on the ice and throw perfect jumps without warning.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Photos from the scene showed billowing flames and smoke overtaking the orthopedic center.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
For the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team France showed some hometown pride, with a presentation of colorful smoke that resembled the country's flag billowing over Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony.
—Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
The redone interiors, courtesy of designer Luis Pons, have white-beam ceilings and billowing white curtains with pops of color in the headboards, artwork, and rugs.
—Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billowing
Adjective
-
He’s trapped in rolling crises of his own making and is struggling to sell voters on the idea of a strong American economy.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Researchers have developed a mathematical framework to design knee-like joints in robots, called rolling contact joints.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Team Fluff's Twilight Barkle, a special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, scored the game's final touchdown.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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Garlic is a kitchen staple for many, but spotting a green sprout poking out of a clove can raise questions about food safety.—
Caitlin Beale,
Health,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Another effective anti-swelling remedy is a delicious snack that may be hiding in the fridge.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The workshop was a leather Pouch, bulging with what a child can win.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The younger Pearl does not stalk the sideline drenched in sweat, veins bulging from his neck and spittle flying at every questionable call.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Best for straight, fine, or wavy textures, this cut is a masterpiece of proportions.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Golden Police Department That suspect has been described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-11, medium build with dark brown eyes, black or dark brown curly or wavy hair and a groomed beard.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Billowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billowing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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