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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

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
The two swell sharks have been in a female-only habitat at the Shreveport Aquarium for more than three years. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025 With a choir and orchestra arranged by Axel Stordahl, the strings swell to heart-leaping proportions, while Sinatra keeps things sedate and sanguine with an undramatic vocal, which drips with a warm camaraderie. Emma Madden, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
About 1 in 1,000 people develop severe brain swelling. Daniel Pastula, The Conversation, 28 Feb. 2025 Along with hepatitis, the other leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States is chronic alcoholism and long-term, heavy drinking, which can cause the liver to swell and, over time, lead to cirrhosis, according to the American Liver Foundation. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
There are no swells of violins or soft-focus lip-locks here, just the difficult yet rewarding work of relating to another human being across society and circumstance’s dividing lines. Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025 Although there hasn’t been a Super Bowl sized swell of attention around the news of the retailer shuttering, people have been posting. Callum Booth, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • Although Seattle’s skill talent has been great, Smith has never played behind even an average offensive line, and his last two offensive coordinators weren’t good enough to keep their jobs.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025
  • By Nellie Bowles March 31, 2020 Get Outside and Safely Visit a National Park Now is the time to start looking ahead, to spring and summer excursions in the great outdoors.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 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
  • Israel has also increased public funding for projects by Israeli filmmakers from West Bank settlements — the very enterprise that the film No Other Land criticizes as taking over Palestinian homes and land.
    Nuha Musleh, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The proposal would increase the budget of the seven SODCs by about $28 million, or almost 5%.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Success in this new landscape depends on maintaining high-quality standards while effectively harnessing AI's capabilities to enhance and expand data resources.
    Deepak Yadav, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The speaker’s proposal would expand eligibility to 100% of the State Median Income, or up to $128,000 for a family of the same size, a Council source said.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In September 2024, suspect Ryan Routh, 59, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from a bush while Trump was playing on the golf course.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Canadian company is responsible for the cameras and projection systems that allow movies to be seen on the biggest screens around the world.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Nvidia’s projection of $43 billion in sales for the current quarter — a 65% increase — was about $1 billion more than analysts projected, the Journal noted.
    Peter Cohan, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Depending on the formula, ingredients like polymers and powders create lift and definition—perfect for everything from soft waves to slick backs—while humectants keep your hair hydrated for a glossy, smooth finish.
    Siena Gagliano, Allure, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Sneaker waves can unexpectedly run significantly farther up the beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties.
    Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Alabama got 24 points from Mark Sears and had excellent defensive stretches but couldn’t finish.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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