Synonyms for

Bow

Verb / baʊ / / bəʊ / Another word for bow — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to bend the head or body as a sign of respect or greeting; a type of knot; a weapon used for shooting arrows

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Informal

Literary

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • bow and arrow
  • bow tie
  • bow down
  • take a bow
  • bow out
  • bow your head
  • bow of a ship
  • bow and scrape

Word family

noun bow
verb bow
adjective bowed

Usage note

The word 'bow' has multiple meanings and pronunciations. As a noun referring to a knot or a weapon, it rhymes with 'cow'. As a verb or noun meaning to bend, it rhymes with 'go'.

Example sentences

  1. She tied a bow in her hair.
  2. I saw a bow and arrow in the museum.
  3. The ballerina did a graceful bow.
  4. He made a bow with the ribbon.
  5. The archer pulled back the bowstring and shot an arrow.

Quotes

  • A bow is a way of saying hello, without having to say anything.
  • There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot with a stick, and I crossed that line by about 12 miles when I was a kid. My brothers used to make fun of me. Man, I'd give anything to be able to catch a fish now. I'd kneel down and start kissing their asses if I could just catch one fish.
  • I like to think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments.

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