SWELL Synonyms: 426 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

swell 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of swell next

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

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

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

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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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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swell

3 of 3

noun

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

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

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

Bankers who help companies sell debt may see payouts swell as much as 35%, as deals pick up and capital markets rebound from multiyear lows, according to a report Thursday from compensation consultant Johnson Associates Inc. —

Katherine Doherty, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2024 Buffett halted the buyback of the firm's stock in an effort to boost the cash supply, and in combination with the sale of Apple and Bank of America stock led to the $48 billion cash supply swell in Q3. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

The number of participating businesses in the New England-area swelled to over 116 within days of posting about the effort on Instagram. —

Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2024 Signs of infection include redness, swelling, excessive pain, red streaking in the skin, pus or excessive drainage, bad odors and discoloration. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Noun

With orchestral swells behind a simple piano accompaniment, Simmons performs one of his favorite songs. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024 The move came amid a swell of union organizing that swept the service industry over the last several years, hitting big names such as Starbucks and Apple and REI. —

Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell

Adjective

Not only is this a more efficient approach for designers, but these systems also afford greater scalability since design changes can be implemented once and then updated throughout the entire platform.

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
The two front runners have a great shot at taking home the trophy in Hunter and Jeanty.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024