1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
finally bowed to the judge's insistence that she change her outfit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to submit
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
1
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course
the river bows gently to the north before it reaches the sea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bend
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
as in bend
something that curves or is curved
her full lips form a pair of perfect bows
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bow
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
But Merz isn’t just bowing to demands from Washington.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2025
Maison Irem Pearl Bow Shoe Charms While swapping standard nylon laces for pearl strands might be an impractical venture, clipping on two little pearl bows at your sneakers’ centers is an effortless maneuver that will pay dividends in sheer beauty.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bow
Verb
Given the harsh rhetoric coming from Trump World, Xi can’t be seen as bowing to Washington.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
But Merz isn’t just bowing to demands from Washington.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
Noun
The imagery shows the vessel’s bow still on land, with possible damage to its sonar section.
—Reuters, NBC news, 4 June 2025
Maison Irem Pearl Bow Shoe Charms While swapping standard nylon laces for pearl strands might be an impractical venture, clipping on two little pearl bows at your sneakers’ centers is an effortless maneuver that will pay dividends in sheer beauty.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bow
Noun
-
Its steering is tight and precise, and throwing its 1,800kg mass around bends is heaps of fun thanks to its grippy tyres.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
The biggest knocks on Sawyer were his subpar measurables (31 3/4-inch arms) and the lack of bend or nuance in his pass-rush plan.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Fuller suffered from a curvature of the spine, which made her slouch, and from myopia, which made her squint.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
-
Through the capsule’s large panoramic windows, the crew will see the planet's curvature and the stark contrast between the bright blue atmosphere and the blackness of space.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
With two on and two outs after a leadoff walk and an Aaron Judge double, Buehler tried to execute a below-the-zone knuckle curve.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
The driver sped away, police said, but crashed at South Belt Line Road and Wheat Hill Drive after failing to negotiate a curve.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The bad-guy turn came because Rhodes, dressed like a discount Homelander but seemingly unwilling to make the smart move to the dark side, was running out of breathing room.—
Oliver Bateman,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
-
The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Squaring up Federico Dimarco, Yamal drove to the byline before chopping back — nearly sending Dimarco out of the stadium — taking a touch, and rifling the ball at goal from the tightest of angles.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
-
The monthly report The task force also releases monthly reports that show the crisis from a different angle.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Expect quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2025
-
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Not bad for an 80-foot tall, single arch, limestone bridge to carry traffic over 15th Street on the eastern edge of Kansas City.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
-
We’re known for our iconic white arches and a design aesthetic that blends Santorini minimalism with Tulum’s earthy elegance, all set in the heart of Bali.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bow. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share