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
As water seeps into your skin, the upper layers swell, prompting nerves to fire off electrical charges and chemicals that contract blood vessels. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 And while Brown more than merits his spot with the all-time greats, his legacy credentials only swell with his catalog’s prolific sampling for new generations. Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
In hereditary angioedema, swelling stems from gene changes. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 22 Apr. 2025 Still, shock spread throughout the Paycom Center as the Thunder’s lead swelled. Darnell Mayberry, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
This was actually released as a single, though that version did not include the giant church-organ swell. Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 This year’s show takes place May 30th, 31st, and June 1st, so mark your calendar and cruise into summer with style. 1 of 3 Shoppers can wander Pismo Beach Premium Outlets in search of stylish finds, while surfers can rent boards from shops downtown and ride the mild but steady spring swells. Cliff Lewis, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • Cancer, a disease that doesn’t discriminate and spares no one from its reach, has long been one of humanity’s greatest adversaries.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 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
  • If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be? (1) Infrastructure in forms of roads and increased police and fire due to the growing population.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla has increased North American sourcing for parts of many models over the last two years, which would decrease tariff exposure for the E41, two people aware of the matter said.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For 2024, the list was expanded to 450 companies and looked at their emissions between 2020 and 2022.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Read: The Last of Us and the power of video games One of the best things about the TV adaptation has been its ability to expand past the limits of the game’s storytelling.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Those bulges protruding like alien offspring are potato, dozens of layers stacked and compressed into golden squares with crisp edges.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Both Walker and Wease had received a smattering of mock draft projections.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
  • There is no doubt about his NFL talent, but his ability to handle more of a full-time role is a tricky projection.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, in New York City, Blake Lively waves to the cameras, and Joe Jonas sits for a radio interview.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Among much else, the trees shelter marine life, capture carbon from the atmosphere and buffer coastlines from powerful waves.
    Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At a minimum, professionals are looking for dependable inventory, top-quality and professional-grade equipment, effortless trade-ins, excellent customer service and reliable and fast repairs.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Incorporating a mudroom into your home is an excellent way to add value to your space.
    Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 4 May. 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!