Definition of bulknext
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bulk

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bulk different from other nouns like it?

The words mass and volume are common synonyms of bulk. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

Where would mass be a reasonable alternative to bulk?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulk, mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

When could volume be used to replace bulk?

The words volume and bulk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 bulk
Noun
Although dozens of islands were claimed through this process, the overwhelming bulk of these claims were relinquished in the late 20th century as the island countries of Oceania began to achieve independence. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026 Dietary fiber helps add bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
Add shredded chicken to bulk it up further, or finish it with a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, or a bit of shredded cheese. — Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026 Just bulk those puppies out, stop wasting your time. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulk
Noun
  • The majority of his night was spent scrambling from a Seahawks defense that pressures the quarterback at the third-highest rate in the league.
    — Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Polls suggest neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition is likely to win a majority alone, meaning the vote may launch Israel’s next political crisis rather than settle it.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Higher energy density could allow automakers to achieve longer driving ranges without increasing battery size or weight.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Flight imposes strict weight limits, so birds pack enormous numbers of very small neurons into very small brains.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The places where Baltzor typically ranges her cattle in the mountains were ravaged by record-size wildfires this summer, robbing them of the grass the herds usually eat.
    — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The challenge is that drones vary widely in size, speed, cost, and operating method.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Kim Hong-Cheol, the South Korean military official, said leaving the dispute over the military demarcation line unresolved would increase the risk of accidental clashes because troops from both sides act on their own understanding of the line.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As rain chances increase overnight, the temperature will drop to 40 degrees.
    — Hali Smith October 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The 11 Plus doesn’t bloat the OS with too many unnecessary apps.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This had the effect of causing the star to bloat into a red giant.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators found Amy in a separate area with a ligature around her neck and burns covering up to 30% of her body, according to court documents.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Several different types of peptides are naturally found in the body, like insulin and endorphins.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Near-net-shape manufacturing aims to produce components close to their final dimensions, potentially reducing the amount of material removal and additional processing required.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • No prior bubble spanned so many dimensions of the economy simultaneously—GDP growth, consumer spending, equity markets, debt markets, and venture capital all tethered to a single theme.
    — Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The suit seeks to represent a class of schools that purchased athletic equipment in Mississippi and Louisiana at what is purported to be fraudulently inflated prices.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, optimists seem to be ruling the market, said Hendricks, so AI companies’ valuations are likely to keep inflating to unprecedented levels.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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