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
Grier spent a bulk of his career in Dallas, and he even reportedly was offered an assistant coaching job there after the 2025 season before ultimately deciding to sign with the Panthers as a player in April. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 Its huge, almost star-like bulk was great enough that astronomers could detect it with an ordinary optical telescope. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 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
  • Earlier this year, Republicans had hoped to campaign on falling rates and a bipartisan bill to increase home construction to help defend their House and Senate majorities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As the chart shows, a majority of companies surveyed by the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals continue vesting for at least some RSU grants after death, with more than half accelerating vesting for all outstanding grants.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Pork Soda, in particular, foreshadowed the weight of nu-metal acts like Korn, who also deployed sagging bass in service of profoundly unsettling narratives.
    Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders must recognize that words carry historical and emotional weight, often leading to unintended interpretations by employees.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • How cricket grows in America will not be determined by sponsorship money alone, or broadcast deals, or the size of the diaspora.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The rooms Of the four buildings that are interconnected, fewer than 100 rooms and suites have different layouts and sizes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The airport says arrivals to Denver are also delayed an average of 15 minutes and increasing due to the weather.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this year, Republicans had hoped to campaign on falling rates and a bipartisan bill to increase home construction to help defend their House and Senate majorities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This works for simple queries, but as the data grows and tasks get more complex, context starts to bloat and quality quietly drops.
    Chhaya Methani, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • After that, Southam struggled with frequent urination, pain, and bloating.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Later on Friday, Infantino said the plan was to strengthen such bodies, not divide world soccer.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026
  • If your body has been asking you in a few ways to slow down (like feeling a cough coming on, or a tiredness that won’t shake off), stop fighting against what your body or heart is trying to tell you.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Those capabilities develop through sustained investment in the cognitive and psychological dimensions of leadership—an investment most organizations classify as optional, or defer in favor of more measurable training outputs.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • During the crossover, the main continuity’s Spider-Man teamed up with another dimension’s Spidey — Miles Morales — who then ended up moving to the main Marvel universe in the event’s aftermath.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • All that excess context inflated token consumption on the most expensive model in the stack.
    Srikanta Datta, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Malloy used reports, contract negotiations and a cross-state promotional tour to force a new fiscal culture and end the longstanding practice of inflating pension costs while pushing them onto future generations.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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