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 represents what a typical consumer might buy without specialty ordering options or bulk purchasing. — John Alexander, Popular Science, 1 Nov. 2026 R136a1 is just such a star, the most massive star known, at several hundred times the sun’s bulk. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 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
  • At least two new incoming Democratic senators expressed some reservations Sunday about Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who's expected to be reelected to his post after leading his party back to the majority.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • These are ideas that the vast majority of the American people believe.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Limiting electric boost primarily to these high-power phases reduces the amount of battery capacity—and battery weight—the aircraft must carry.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Blood sugar can rise again, particularly if someone regains weight or their pancreas loses more of its ability to produce insulin.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Furthermore, the institute estimates that a 5% reduction could save roughly one metric ton of fuel per day on a tanker of this size.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Beijing Jiaquan Church was founded in 2006 and had grown in size as an unregistered congregation, Gu said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • FinFETs helped manufacturers increase performance and energy efficiency across generations of smartphone, computer, and server processors.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Those figures increase to 14 tons and 20 tons, respectively, for the larger 9×4 variant.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 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
  • The compact pouch is designed to hold small essentials against your body, and its soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric is a thoughtful detail for warmer destinations where extra layers aren’t practical.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Hours after the attack, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said authorities found the bodies of three of the suspect's close family members -- two women and a man -- inside of his home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, a city about 100 miles northeast of Krakow.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Managing Barriers To Access There is also a cost-management dimension.
    — Soniya Bopache, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • These nonverbal characteristics are important for conveying emotion, and paralyzed people unable to move their facial muscles lose their ability to communicate in this critical dimension.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • With a Southern Hemisphere spring harvest underway in parts of Australia, farmers are grappling with diesel prices inflated by the Iran war, contributing to what the government forecasts will be a 39% drop in large farm profits.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • If there’s an AI bubble, the Democrats didn’t inflate it; their victory was just another pin in the hands of nervous investors.
    — David Averre, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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