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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
The volume of business enables these bouillon restaurants to buy in bulk from suppliers, and servers are encouraged to turn tables quickly with pay indexed to the day’s sales or tied to the number of tables served. Byalex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025 Trump’s order calls for more rigorous enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, a 2016 law that allows the FTC to take action against individuals and companies that use bots to buy concert tickets in bulk and resell them. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Both the fourth and fifth images came out great, although the fourth one bulked the subject up a little. Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024 For example, many stevia products sold in stores contain additional ingredients, including bulking agents and other sweeteners. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulk
Noun
  • While most debates, especially online, aren't so clear cut, the majority agrees that even the most skilled men are no match for a gorilla.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The majority of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, according to the country’s statistics bureau.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the procession carried even more weight this year.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • By 2016, President Obama put his weight behind the movement with the Computer Science for All initiative.
    James V. Shuls, National Review, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Snag it in a coastal blue striped style or classic white in either the small/medium or large/extra large size.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Its six-quart size is compact enough to save countertop space and easily takes care of cooking needs for a small household.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Those unused hours can, however, be converted to service credit to increase their government pensions.
    Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • What Murray did in the second half was increase his aggression off the dribble.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These behaviors can lead to serious side effects, from bloating and nausea all the way up to heart attack and stroke, Pasricha says.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • These can work fine for some, but can cause bloating or digestive discomfort for others.
    Morgan Pearson, MS, RD, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ‘world’s greatest deliberative body’ has become synonymous with gridlock.
    John Fund, National Review, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The disconnect between the body and the disintegrating mind is painful to witness, and even harder for families to reconcile.
    Dr. Sabooh Mubbashar, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Climbers add dimension and vertical movement to the garden, breaking up the monotony of fence lines.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • At 6-foot-4 and about 305 pounds, Sanders doesn’t have prototypical run-stuffer dimensions.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pitcher owns a lifetime 3.82 ERA, but that's inflated from his early-career struggles.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla is inflating odometer numbers to avoid paying for under-warranty repairs, according to a class-action lawsuit filed in California.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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