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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
In the process, he’s seen his Spotify followers swell to more than 2.6 million monthly listeners. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024 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
Verb
At the hospital, surgeons inserted a shunt to control swelling in Manning's brain and tended to his many injuries. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Silicone shrinks the size of an existing scar, softens skin, reduces swelling, and eases other symptoms. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
As professional golf continues to alter the game in an effort to appease players, partners and patrons, time will tell if these changes actually grow the game, which has witnessed a significant swell in amateur participation since the Covid-19 pandemic. Michael Loré, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Society The Same War Karen Connelly The acquittal of the man who stood trial for the murder of Cindy Gladue inspired a swell of voices calling for change. hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for swell 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • Advertisement Rams Saquon Barkley continues to make history with one of the greatest seasons ever Jan. 19, 2025 After the Eagles’ first possession, which ended with a long touchdown run by quarterback Jalen Hurts, the stadium video board featured a shot of Verse, who was loudly booed.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Gutekunst said Wyatt was the team’s best interior pass rusher, which is good for him but not great for fellow defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who makes more than $21 million per year.
    Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 20 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
  • Research suggests high levels can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, while also raising blood pressure.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Cost of goods sold increased to $46.7 million from $40.3 million, with the Auction and Liquidation segment contributing significantly to this rise.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 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
  • What stands out in photos taken in the arena is that the cameras really protrude, perhaps emphasized by the phone’s thin profile.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Here are some of the latest discoveries: Family spots wood sticking out of sand dune — and finds historic item in New Zealand In New Zealand, a family stumbled upon a piece of wood protruding from a sand dune, which turned out to be a historic artifact.
    Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The 180-degree rotating lens offers flexible projection angles, while electronic focus and automatic keystone correction ensure sharp images.
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025
  • FanGraphs’ various projection systems all place him somewhere between 5-6 WAR for 2025.
    Zack Meisel, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Their disagreement led to a wave of responses about what makes a meal qualify for the term.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This can lead to a growing wave of kind acts in the workplace, community or elsewhere.
    Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kansas City’s secondary is also excellent at tackling and does a good job of limiting explosive runs.
    Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Both teams are excellent at converting third downs.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near swell

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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