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
This is hidden beneath the leather, adding extra protection without any visible bulk. Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 My mom uses this slim power bank to charge on the go without adding bulk or the hassle of remembering to bring a cord. Annita Katee, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 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 use of an ECG alone has detection levels of up to 85 per cent, but some studies suggest an even greater rate for what are known as ‘silent killers’, where the vast majority display no symptoms before cardiac arrest.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Despite a recent pickup in luxury hotel production, the majority of new rooms are still in relatively affordable tiers, said Jay Morrow, head of hospitality advisory at Walker & Dunlop.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Graham has had a penchant for getting defenses to punch above their weight class but has had only one top-10 defense statistically (2023 Raiders).
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That was enough to establish a new West Virginia state weight record for blue catfish, surpassing the 71-pound fish Michael Ramey caught from the same Ohio River area in May.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the reason this man is the biggest skyscraper in the New York Yankees skyline is about more than his size.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The size of the project reflects the company’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The incidence of colorectal cancer in particular has increased among younger people in recent years, other studies have found.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Fall travel is increasing even to destinations in Asia, where the window between September and November is already the peak season.
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This had the effect of causing the star to bloat into a red giant.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Again, while many dip to their left before throwing a hook to the body, the American stands tall and finds the angle with his long reach.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In 1968, patrolman Ed Pospisil of Fire Patrol 3 led the effort to locate the bodies of 12 FDNY firefighters killed in a raging East 23rd Street fire the year before.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • First-rounder Makai Lemon can give the offense a new dimension, too.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Leighton’s exercise in world-building continues with corporate and medical inventions in dimensions where there’s a need for his services.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Those numbers aren’t inflated due to facing West Georgia; the Red Wolves produced 434 yards against a Memphis team expected to challenge for the Group of Six College Football Playoff spot.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The refinery's officials have denied that its valuation is inflated.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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