bolt

verb

Definition of boltnext
1
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
2
as in to jump
to move suddenly and sharply (as in surprise) I bolted as I read the winning lottery numbers

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3
as in to race
to proceed or move quickly the cat bolted for the food dish the minute he spied it

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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 Once the unit is fully inside, the installer extends the Pod's outer walls and roof to press up against the van cabin, ensuring no space goes to waste and the anchor points are all lined up and ready to bolt. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026 When Kendal Briles bolted for South Carolina in December, the assumption was another Air Raid disciple with Texas ties. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026 The horse in question, Samson, bolted from a standstill at Cherry Hill on June 17, after Mahajan in his family, who were visiting from India, had climbed into the carriage after a photo had been taken but before the carriage horse driver was aboard. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 Another common problem is bolting if carrots are planted during periods of high temperatures and long days. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt
  1. fly
  2. jump
  3. race
  4. exclaim
  5. inhale
  6. flee
  7. startle
  8. speed
Verb
  • At his best, Fries flies off the ball with force and aggression.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Crews were not able to fly over the fire for several days due to smoke and visibility concerns, but were able to map it Saturday at 24,839 acres, Beyer said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of fly
Verb
  • The Sox jumped back ahead in the third inning on a Benintendi RBI single.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The burst and ability to create separation jumped out, as did his calm and composed finish, all at seemingly peak speed.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of jump
Verb
  • Dustin Arnold, were racing as fast as 120 mph in order to get to the scene.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In the span of less than a week this July, surgeons at a Southern California hospital raced to save the lives of two women suffering from alarmingly similar brain hemorrhages.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of race
Verb
  • Kornacki then exclaimed, trying to collect his soaked papers.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Kiana's older sister Lani exclaimed, while lovingly tickling the baby.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 28 July 2026
Definition of exclaim
Verb
  • Vapes use a small, lithium battery to heat liquids such as nicotine for users to inhale.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If disturbed, asbestos’ microscopic crystalline fibers get into the air, where they can be inhaled, cause lung scarring and lead to fatal cancers.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • The video shows the state trooper performing a tactical vehicle intervention, also known as a PIT maneuver, on a fleeing Infiniti hatchback.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Diana, love interest Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul died in 1997 in Paris due to injuries from a car crash, after trying to flee paparazzi.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of flee
Verb
  • This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of startle
Verb
  • Officers said Rodriguez sped out of the lot and fled the scene.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The next day, his rebuild group met, and one of the architects brought up prefabricated housing as an option to speed things along.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of speed

Phrases Containing bolt

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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 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bolt

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bolt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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