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
Art supplies typically come in bulk — like a pack of markers or a ream of construction paper — and outlast the kids' project or at-home craft they're intended for. ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Since using the shampoo and conditioner, my hair feels lush without getting frizzy, has volume without bulk, and looks smooth but never greasy. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 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 Rams kept the training wheels on him for a majority of the start, with almost every throw going within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Albeit in an uncompetitive effort, the Falcons’ 27-7 loss to the Broncos in the preseason opener Friday night offered a glimpse at a vast majority of the team’s roster.
    Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The services have different body weight requirements based on age and gender.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Handling compliments about weight loss The pressure to be thinner is reinforced when someone loses weight, whether from a GLP-1 or any other reason.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The 6-foot, 190-pounder doesn’t have Johnson’s size, but there isn’t a smarter safety in this class.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If the size restriction were removed, Wine Institute would support extending direct shipping.
    Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The kingdom has faced increasing attacks from the Houthis, who also declared a blockade on the al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea on July 20.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Nor would increased options out wide and a central defender, The Athletic revealing earlier this week that a couple of bids have been rejected for Norway international centre-back Henrik Falchener, 23, from that country’s Viking Stavanger.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 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
  • Aetrex is a technology company that uses data and learnings to design and create footwear that is anatomically correct to support your body from the ground up, offering superior arch support and pain relief.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Monday's meeting will be open to the entire church body, both sides said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Part of that will depend on whether Black, whom the new staff thinks has the physical dimensions to be a high-level nose tackle, ends up playing well over the center, which would allow the Steelers at times to shift Benton over.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • There is a framework being developed in parallel to recognize the global greater-good dimension.
    Mike Feibus, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Washington’s preoccupation with its own domestic politics, inattention to the region’s nuances, and inflated fears of Chinese and Russian advances all made the United States an easy mark for manipulative local powers.
    MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The connected tank holds just about enough air to inflate one of the unit's tires from nearly empty, or all four from off-road/air-down to fully aired up.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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