1
2
as in to race
to proceed or move quickly
the cat bolted for the food dish the minute he spied it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fly
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
the rabbit bolted when it saw the fox approaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in to inhale
to swallow or eat greedily
the way you bolted those hot dogs, it's no wonder you're feeling a little queasy
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 bolt
On top of that, the bodywork is a central cover bolted down with rivet-type fasteners.
—
Utkarsh Sood
june 05, New Atlas, 5 June 2026
At the same time, the number of new hires and layoffs both tumbled after bolting higher in March; and voluntary quits fell to their lowest level in nearly six years, an indication of workers’ slipping confidence in the labor market.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
When a 22-meter-tall rigid sail is bolted onto a massive metal hull, the ship itself alters the environment.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
Cole Tomas Allen was a 31-year-old mechanical engineer from Torrance, California, who traveled to Washington, wrote a manifesto, and bolted through security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
—Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bolt
Utkarsh Sood
june 05, New Atlas, 5 June 2026
At the same time, the number of new hires and layoffs both tumbled after bolting higher in March; and voluntary quits fell to their lowest level in nearly six years, an indication of workers’ slipping confidence in the labor market.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
When a 22-meter-tall rigid sail is bolted onto a massive metal hull, the ship itself alters the environment.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
Cole Tomas Allen was a 31-year-old mechanical engineer from Torrance, California, who traveled to Washington, wrote a manifesto, and bolted through security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
—Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt
Verb
-
In other social media videos, Fischer can be seen base jumping enthusiastically from sheer cliffs with only a parachute to break his fall.—
Matthew Kelly
Updated June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
-
His challenge will be to jump Samuel on the depth chart to become the first corner off the bench if Porter or Dean are injured.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Goalkeeper Tim Howard saved a seven-yard header by Rafik Saifi and threw the ball to the right side to Donovan, who raced up the field unmarked.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
The Royals raced to an early three-run lead, surrendered it and lost 8-7.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
-
The Cougars came out of the gate flying, with Ani Woodard registering a hat trick and Emma Whoriskey and Taylor Watts adding goals in the opening frame.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
King exclaimed, barely able to get the words out through laughter.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2026
-
Fieri exclaims as Jesser laughs.—
Chiara Kim,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Typically, hantavirus spreads by inhaling particles contaminated with the urine, feces or saliva of wild rodents.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Officials said anyone who inhaled smoke and is experiencing a sudden onset of respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or throat irritation should report to the emergency room for treatment.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 June 2026
-
Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Its pace could speed up or slow down depending on how entropy shifted within the system.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
-
Graham quickly sped away in a 2023 white Mercedes.—
Brittany Wallman,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Brianna, 29, and Kierianna, 26, fled the scene after the attack but were eventually arrested by police.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
-
The Sheriff's Office charged him with fleeing and eluding and reckless driving, while FHP filed additional charges.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
