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swell

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verb

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swell

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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

Examples 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
After inflation has squeezed low-income households disproportionately, dollar stores that typically serve them have been struggling to cash in, and food banks are seeing demand swell. J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Midway up the western coast and the nearest town to Clayoquot, the charming town of Tofino sees its population swell in the summer. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
The riverbank swelled with crowds of people desperate to cross. Adam Ferguson, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024 Measles, a common and highly contagious childhood disease that can lead to pneumonia and fatal brain swelling, declined rapidly after the first measles vaccine was introduced in 1963. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
Corbet found the swell of advance enthusiasm gratifying, if bewildering. Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024 Approaching the midpoint of this 21st century, there doesn't seem to be a ground swell of support either among the public or industry to push these technologies into fruition. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swell 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • Finance chief Amy Hood said in October that revenue growth from Microsoft’s Azure cloud will speed up in the first half of this year because of greater AI infrastructure capacity.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Foul drawers: Arizona State does a great job of drawing fouls, ranking No. 76 in free-throw rate (76.9).
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 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
  • Investment in women's health is increasing, from VC to private equity.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) wrote in its 2024 global tuberculosis report cases of the disease had increased internationally, with 8.2 million people worldwide being diagnosed in 2023.
    Kristina Watrobski, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Since then, his portfolio of restaurants has expanded across the Charlotte metro area.
    Laura Barrero, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Taylor Swift is taking her billionaire status to new heights — literally and figuratively — by expanding her $17.75 million Rhode Island estate.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Out of her spine emerges a creature with too many appendages, body parts in the wrong places, and Elisabeth’s face protruding from her back.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Identifiable by their protruding upper jaw and spiny bodies, the new species had a few key features that set them apart.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The projection suggests that humanity is far from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and raises new concerns about the progress of climate change.
    Fernanda González, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Additional interest rate cuts are likely in 2025 and 2026, although the latest December 2024 FOMC projections reflect expectations of only two 0.25% rate cuts in 2025.
    Jason Schenker, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Bears are now deep into their process and plowing through the first wave of interviews.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Multiple other films positioned themselves this weekend to ride the awards wave.
    Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • With excellent lift access, 12 lifts provide visitors with access to 244 skiable acres.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near swell

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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