bolt

verb

Definition of boltnext
1
as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) I bolted as I read the winning lottery numbers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to exclaim
to utter with a sudden burst of strong feeling bolted out the cuss word without thinking

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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

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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 This episode, Zack wakes up and bolts upright with the bandage still on his head from getting clobbered with a sign on his birthday and can’t remember what happened the night before. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 July 2026 In addition to the custom pieces of furniture — and hundreds of cameras capturing contestants’ every move — some of the furniture is bolted to the ground, as Storey told the Los Angeles Times. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 Against Seattle, the Storm bolted to a 21-13 lead after one quarter and held firm from there. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Oregon and Washington soon bolted, also for the Big Ten, and eventually Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah joined the Big 12, and Cal and Stanford joined the ACC. — Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt
  1. jump
  2. race
  3. fly
  4. exclaim
  5. inhale
  6. startle
  7. speed
  8. flee
Verb
  • Once Platner dropped out on July 10, a flood of former governor candidates — including Jackson — and others jumped to try to take Platner's place.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • With both blockades fueling fears over global energy supplies, the price of international benchmark Brent crude oil jumped above the $100 a barrel threshold Thursday for the first time since May before dropping back down.
    — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 24 July 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • Meanwhile, officials are racing to ensure older office buildings can be safely transformed into apartments.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The duo also tapped Bamford Watch Department to help bring the new timepiece imbued in racing heritage to life.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
Definition of race
Verb
  • The bright light attracts massive swarms of flying insects, chased by birds, which unwittingly get instantly vaporized mid-air by the invisible, high-temperature beams.
    — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • But this didn’t last long with the flying McLarens behind him.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of fly
Verb
  • Goldberg exclaimed of the star’s set during the halftime show, which also included BTS, Justin Bieber, and more.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026
  • When the other train finally emerged through the inferno and lumbered past them, the camera man couldn’t help but exclaim.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 July 2026
Definition of exclaim
Verb
  • Put a drop or two in your palms, rub them together, and inhale the calming lavender-vanilla scent for a nice little reset.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026
  • There's been a drastic increase Fine particulates and gases, including carbon monoxide, are inhaled and can lodge deep within the lungs, causing inflammation and irritation.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • Witness Hoon Chan Sim, 53, was sitting on a park lawn with his dog near West Drive when he was startled by the squeal of braking tires, and spun around to see the horrific collision.
    — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Wildlife experts say black bears are strong climbers and may scale trees, utility poles or other tall structures when startled by people, traffic or dogs.
    — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of startle
Verb
  • The bulk of the original tale — Lara’s encounter with her sea witch aunt Grace, her emergence into the world of humans, her romance with a dashing prince — is sped through in the show’s first 15 minutes.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
  • The American Hiking Society emphasizes that a simple plan left with a friend can dramatically speed up rescue response if something goes wrong.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Definition of speed
Verb
  • One of those people fled and was still unaccounted for, officials said.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Durham has collected descriptions of the HEART calls, showing that nonpolice responders in Durham have helped with everything from finding housing for a woman fleeing domestic violence to setting up medical appointments for a homeless veteran.
    — Scott Maucione, NPR, 27 July 2026
Definition of flee

Phrases Containing bolt

Browse Nearby Words

bolsters
bolt
bolted
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Cite this Entry

“Bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bolt

Nglish: Translation of bolt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bolt

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