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
Infatuated with the sport, Webster moved to Sonoma County in 1973 and began surfing every day in 1975 during a storm swell off the California coast. Sean Neumann, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Someone paying $200 a month could see their bill swell to $350. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Other symptoms of liver disease can include dark-colored urine, light or clay-colored stool, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (also known as jaundice), and swelling from fluid in the belly, arms and legs. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems. Toby Meyjes, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
Sirianni appeared intentionally reserved during his press conference, repeating that the Eagles have to keep their emotions in check to withstand the swells of a game, the adjustments required on the field. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025 Their vessel, Thelma, was capsized after being battered by the turbulent swells when the engine failed; 17 people were tossed overboard into the raging sea. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • Sabel made the trek and quickly realized the greater need in Sri Lanka and worldwide was for regasification facilities that receive the LNG and covert it back into gas for power generation.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • However, critics are still calling for greater transparency surrounding the case.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 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
  • They were presented as part of what the administration said was its commitment to identify the root causes of autism, diagnoses of which have increased in recent years.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Several studies conducted over the past decade have probed whether acetaminophen increases the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Xi promised that within a decade, China will expand wind and solar power capacity to more than six times its 2020 level.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The bags contain lightweight material that absorb water and expands and can be stacked just like regular bags, as can the barriers which come in a variety of lengths.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This lore drop about the legendary warrior-chief is a withering tease for Kōnane, a once-ubiquitous pastime that was carved into stone slabs across the islands, some of which still protrude from the ground.
    Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
  • In the article, Sanderson reported the location of the ship, so that other sailors could steer clear of the protruding masts.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Original projections called for the road to alleviate about 35,000 to 40,000 trips from near West Wilson Avenue into and through downtown Mooresville, Coble said.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2025
  • According to projections released last week, that’s almost a full percentage point lower than any of his 18 colleagues on the Fed’s rate-setting committee, an unusually high divergence.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Utting believes a glut is on its way starting in 2030 and lasting until 2035 or so—right when VG is largely finished ramping up its incredible wave of growth.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Its millimeter wave radar detects and tracks targets through weather.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shaw and Harry Maguire were excellent.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • And this does bode well for interior roominess, which is quite accommodating up front for a variety of heights and body types—plus tremendously comfortable standard sport bucket seats with excellent bolstering.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 27 Sep. 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!