swell 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of swellnext
1
as in great
of the very best kind what a swell time we had at the country club dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in happening
being in the latest or current fashion in its heyday as a summer resort, the town was known for its swanky hotels and swell restaurants

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swell

2 of 3

verb

ˈswel How to pronounce swell (audio)
1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the club membership has really swelled in recent months

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number more layoffs will swell the ranks of the unemployed to unprecedented levels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point at that point the Congo River swells and forms Malebo Pool

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swell

3 of 3

noun

1
as in projection
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something the graceful swell of the bottle was meant to be evocative of the female figure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wave
a moving ridge on the surface of water huge swells overwhelmed the tiny craft

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swell are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and inflate. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

In what contexts can amplify take the place of swell?

The synonyms amplify and swell are sometimes interchangeable, but amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than swell?

While the synonyms dilate and swell are close in meaning, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When could distend be used to replace swell?

The words distend and swell are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for swell?

Although the words expand and swell have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of swell?

While in some cases nearly identical to swell, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

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 swell
Adjective
This isn’t some fashion formula that’s difficult to decode; these beautiful dresses are easily toughened up with slouchy leather boots to create a cool juxtaposition for day and look just as swell with open toe mules for springtime evenings. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025 The fundamental approach relies on bedrock, underlying business factors that traditionally swell or deflate values on the public exchanges. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
Allergic Reaction Severe allergic reactions can manifest as bumps and tongue swelling. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 16 Mar. 2025 Duke coach Jon Scheyer said in a postgame news conference there was swelling in the ankle. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
Garrett McNamara is the center of the story, a pioneering big-wave surfer who searches the world for monster swells and discovered what’s become one of the most fearsome surfing breaks in the world, in the unlikely place of Nazaré, Portugal. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025 About four minutes in, the signature swell of music began in an effort to urge the actor offstage — but Brody didn't budge. —EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
  1. great
  2. happening
  3. increase
  4. expand
  5. protrude
  6. projection
  7. wave
  8. excellent
Adjective
  • So, if the audience doesn’t dismiss it on account of the language barrier (as in subtitles), then that would be great.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Sykes said Danaher’s initial cost savings announced in the company’s most recent 10-K filing could lead to potentially greater margins in 2025 and 2026.
    — Pia Singh, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of great
Adjective
  • While the overarching trend for fall is still lowest maintenance possible, there's a bit more happening than your typical sunny blondes and balayage brunettes.
    — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2020
  • What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas.
    — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
Definition of happening
Verb
  • The change was stark, as Paramount has been a leader in promoting diversity in Hollywood, championing initiatives to increase representation on-screen through programming as well as behind the scenes, through programs designed to diversify writers, directors and producers.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Sucralose increased brain activity in the hypothalamus and feelings of hunger compared to sugar, especially in participants with obesity.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • But eight weeks in, the mass deportation effort has rapidly expanded to include immigrants whose application for legal status in the country is under review.
    — Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Its leaders are looking for ways to expand by reaching out to a changing community.
    — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Similarly, instead of modifying the landscape, McGuire integrated it into the pad’s design—a bridged walkway passes through two massive granite boulders, leading the way to the front door, and the office/guest room features an integrated desk, with a boulder protruding through a wall of glass.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Hands protrude from a wound in its spine, suggesting something even worse is inside trying to get out.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of protrude
Noun
  • Candid family conversations about care preferences, expectations, and limitations are essential to realistic plans rather than relying on abstract financial projections alone.
    — Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Indeed, the group appears to almost frolic through their proverbial forest, weaving geometric patterns through one another and among white fabric panels which give depth to Cessa’s projections.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of projection
Noun
  • Isar is the first in a wave of European launch startups to arrive at this point.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The good news is that emotions function somewhat like a wave.
    — Tim Maurer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • The streamer is loaded with excellent shows of all genres, but it’s known for its large collection of sci-fi series like Severance, which had its season 2 finale on March 20, For All Mankind and Silo, among others.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Kosta Browne makes excellent Pinot Noir wines but their Chardonnay wines have come a long way with an intense sense of minerality, freshness and overall elegance.
    — Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

sweet tooth
swell
swelled
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Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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