blows 1 of 4

present tense third-person singular of blow
1
2
3
as in explodes
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure a huge crater was formed when the volcano last blew

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in shatters
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive one false move and we would be blown to bits

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
6
7

blows

2 of 4

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of blow
as in flowers
to produce flowers longing for a grassy field in some far-off land where the wildflowers blow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blows

3 of 4

noun (1)

plural of blow

blows

4 of 4

noun (2)

plural of blow

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 blows
Verb
Policymakers' ignorance of oil market mechanics becomes clear only when geopolitics enters the picture and blows it all to hell, either figuratively or literally. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 Starritt reveals the harsher sides of entrepreneurship, including the constant scramble for venture capital, the difficult financial options, the unforeseen blows from uncontrollable world events, the grueling hours and more. — The Know, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2026 The exhaust port blows to the rear to allow for quick cleaning of leaves and grass clippings. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 When a transmission drops or a head gasket blows on an out-of-warranty vehicle, the bill lands entirely on the owner. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 In some areas, elk may remain on fairly high windswept ridges where the wind constantly blows the snow away, baring enough forage for the animals to sustain themselves. — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026 Leading sportswear brands must now consider how that visibility can strengthen a more enduring identity and create value long after the final whistle blows. — Alison Bringé, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 When a reel of 16mm film discovered in a safe five decades later blows the legend wide open, the people who were there come together to give the full picture. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Warming up heading into mid-week Temperatures will warm into the mid-80s on Wednesday afternoon as muggier weather blows back in. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
Ditka and Ryan had an often adversarial relationship, with the two nearly coming to blows during halftime of the team's only 1985 season loss, to the Miami Dolphins. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 Even with a human controlling the machine remotely, LaPenna was still trading blows with a heavy metal robot capable of putting real force behind its movements. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, Nik Bonnito, Zach Allen and Patrick Surtain are all among the best players at their respective positions in the NFL, so expect both the Broncos’ defense and the Rams’ passing game to trade blows. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026 And in a single season, a high school or college football player absorbs an estimated 600 to 1,000 subconcussive blows. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026 While often associated with blows to the head during contact sports, concussions are common at all ages. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2026 Ruffy came out ready to trade blows and showed speed in the opening minutes. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026 Like his wife, Andrew was also attacked with a hatchet, receiving as many as 11 blows to his face, leaving him nearly unrecognizable, according to Smithsonian Magazine. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 Abby was struck 19 times by a hatchet-like object, with several blows crushing through her skull. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blows
Verb
  • As the curtains pull back, she is revealed standing over the corpse with a bloodied trophy in her hands as the audience gasps.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • At this, the paddock gasps in unison.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The privacy extends to the luxury categories where Gen Z spends most heavily.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The ‘closer’ Today, as a first-year resident in Boston, Carleton spends most of his time treating patients.
    — Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • When the gang war that’s been building all along between the Greasers and the Socs finally explodes in the second act, the violence is conveyed through movement, lighting, sound and just all around scenic brilliance.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … ‘NEVER-ENDING’ — Huge number of noncitizens found on voter rolls as Mike Lee explodes on 'honor system'.
    — , FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Barry Bonds wraps up his record-breaking season with his 73rd homer and shatters the slugging percentage record that Babe Ruth had owned for 81 years.
    — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • When a severe heatwave shatters her family’s fragile routine and exposes her father’s dementia, Anna’s world is thrown into uncertainty.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • By Saturday, high temperatures will plummet down to the low 80s and upper 70s degrees or lower across a majority of the Central Valley as a breeze rushes in and fall finally says hello.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As the industry rushes to try to understand how to capitalize on that momentum, Parsons is already looking ahead.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • DeLand was driving inside the 20 yard line and Taihj Moore fumbles, recovered by Lake Mary.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Buford scored 17 points off three Gainesville fumbles on punt plays.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The hotel, which boasts easy access to beaches, nearby restaurants and shopping, was temporarily closed on Saturday.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While The Social Network boasts a 96 Rotten Tomatoes score, critics have been mixed on the follow-up, as The Social Reckoning holds a 54 percent approval from reviewers and a 71 percent audience rating.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This plant flowers year-round and, like all abutilon cultivars, is not water needy.
    — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blows. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!