bulk 1 of 2

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

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
The Brooklyn Low Wedge feels polished but still easygoing, with a subtle platform that adds height without the usual bulk. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2026 Mulleady said that her floral shop is trying to contain costs by switching import vendors, ordering bulk whenever possible and optimizing delivery routes. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Hard-line Republicans initially bulking at the price tag. ABC News, 6 July 2025 Many stevia products sold in stores contain additional ingredients, including bulking agents and other sweeteners. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulk
Noun
  • The agency added city funding is expected to make up the majority of its staffing budget going forward, making its future structure heavily dependent on decisions by the City of Los Angeles.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The majority of the 200+ cast and crew hails from Costa Rica, with several contributors coming from other parts of Latin America.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While both weight and waist circumference can indicate health, waist circumference is more accurate.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Playoff series are the epitome of small sample sizes, which is why making sport-changing decisions based on those outcomes makes little sense.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • To back off from that charge, district officials proposed raising average class sizes in kindergarten through fourth grade from 24-to-1 to 28-to-1, according to the district.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This sprawling, unchecked population growth just increases water demand.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Decades of pandering to public employee unions, bloating of bureaucratic staffs, and disregarding voter wishes regarding the outsourcing of local services and limiting pensions have been identified.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Possible side effects of stevia are bloating, nausea, dizziness, and numbness.12 There is also some concern that stevia may contribute to low blood pressure (hypotension).8 What Are Their Risks and Precautions?
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Two former players were deemed permanently ineligible to participate in NCAA play after the governing body found them in violation of potential game manipulation for sports betting.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The modeling industry has long played a role in perpetuating unrealistic body standards, though there have been cyclical advances and setbacks.
    Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is also a safety dimension that matters to anyone hosting events or welcoming visitors.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Vikings might need a more reliable back than a true weapon, but Claiborne would add a tantalizing dimension to the run game.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With 85% of the population being held pretrial, the longer cases take, the more artificially inflated the population gets.
    Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • From his earliest days as an agent, Meredith proudly flouted industry convention while inflating his own reputation and padding his bank account.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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