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
Drivers of today need unlimited mileage, lightning-fast recharge cycles, drastically reduced chassis bulk, complete dependability, and an unbreakable network that won't ditch them on the side of the road when a trip takes a detour. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026 At least 35 other commercial ships, mainly dry bulk, ​cargo and container vessels, were preparing to sail through the strait, ​according to LSEG and MarineTraffic ship tracking data based on Reuters analysis of ship ‌movements. Reuters, NBC news, 24 June 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
  • Miami-Dade and Palm Beach together account for the overwhelming majority of Florida’s survivor population.
    Masha Pearl, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • If a simple majority of the workers vote to unionize, the union is then certified.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • There’s a bunch of new things across most of the 2026 range, mainly cosmetic, but also hardware and weight-saving stuff as well.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • When a squirrel climbs atop its roof or perches, the feeder registers its heavier weight and automatically closes its four ports.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The size of the frozen zone in which crews are working to stabilize a building in Midtown Manhattan was decreased late Tuesday, but some roads remain blocked.
    Kelly McCleary, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • To set up indirect grilling, preheat the grill, clean the grates, and adjust burners based on grill size.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • This was accompanied by sickness, bloating and diarrhea.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • These might include cramping, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or an irritated rectum, Hazan says, as well as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which can affect heart or kidney function.
    Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Mourners beat their chests rhythmically in the intense summer heat, the wails of women cutting through the noise as the body of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unveiled beneath a glass case at the Grand Mosalla.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • But Vozinha dived, fully extended his body, and knocked the ball away.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Standard container dimensions also enable civilian transportation infrastructure to move military assets with relative ease, improving operational flexibility, reported SCMP.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, Dyrholm focused on exploring the different dimensions of Vibeke.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The glove features a network of 13 pneumatic tubes that inflate individual air chambers positioned along the hand.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
  • Critics say that the Jones Act harms the shipbuilding industry itself, in that American shipyards are shielded from international competition via its enactment, thus further inflating construction costs.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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