swell 1 of 3

1
2

swell

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3

swell

3 of 3

noun

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
Get a pulse from locals on swell conditions at Roca Bruja, where right- and left-hand waves, and the chance to ride a chute, are the draw. AFAR Media, 8 July 2025 Villa Vie is currently building a custom walkway to link the ship and tender boats to reduce movement from waves and swell. Francesca Street, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
Verb
Even then, the number can swell to 352 days per year by 2070, depending on global emissions, temperature increases and the melt of Antarctic and Greenlandic ice sheets. Jeremy Sabol, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025 Lower the heat and allow to cook for 10-12 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the couscous has softened and swelled. Sami Tamimi august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
Some people have scoffed at sand nourishment projects, Whitelaw said, with a misconception that sand washes away in the winter and always comes back with summer swells. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 24 July 2025 Most public transport in Hong Kong was suspended, including ferries amid high sea swells. CNN Money, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Verb
  • During the month of its release, the number of articles about KPop Demon Hunters increased nearly four-fold to 1,394.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The program helped increase all patients’ access to care — not just kids’ — but the impact of its loss is greater for pediatricians because so many children in Idaho are on Medicaid.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the near term, Baxter said the brand will expand its lightweight and cooling platforms to increase penetration in southern climates.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • However, the company opened its first cafe in New York City in 2021 and has since expanded to four locations, two in New York and two in California.
    Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Tung’s front layers were slicked across the right side of her forehead and brushed behind her ear; her short ends protruded out underneath.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
  • In person the tremendous symmetry of her face was startling; her cheekbones protruded, and her eyes were far apart.
    Darcey Steinke, Vogue, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Sensitive information to avoid sharing with public AI tools: Financial reports or projections Customer lists or contact information HR records, legal documents or strategy memos For many organizations, AI concerns go beyond productivity.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Personal loyalty is one aspect of Yermak’s character and power projection that all officials who spoke to Fox News Digital confirmed was most important.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The biggest beneficiaries of the change have been Sam Vines, who can now play a bigger attacking role, and Yapi, who still slots into a central role, but can also make waves on the wing.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
  • If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And its large, thin leaves do provide excellent material to us as mulch or in a compost pile.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Certain fruits and veggies, lentils and other legumes, and sweet potatoes are all good sources of fiber, and make excellent breakfast fodder.
    Alexis deBoschnek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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