as in increasing
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the little problems we ignored began to snowball into huge headaches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 snowballing
Are HOAs required to first apply payments to prior outstanding assessments, or can payments first be applied to current dues assessments hence avoid snowballing late fees?
—
Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
The project — and Roan’s career, for that matter — has been steadily snowballing since its release in September 2023, with the star finishing out 2024 as Billboard‘s Top New Artist.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024
The ability to breach one algorithm may also indicate that similar algorithms could be compromised, snowballing this potential crisis across data security providers worldwide.
—Jason McNutt, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
The project — and Roan’s career, for that matter — has been steadily snowballing since its release in September 2023, with the star finishing out 2024 as Billboard‘s Top New Artist.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Dec. 2024
The ability to breach one algorithm may also indicate that similar algorithms could be compromised, snowballing this potential crisis across data security providers worldwide.
—Jason McNutt, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snowballing
Verb
-
The materials also mold to your feet over time, increasing their comfort and personalizing their fit.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In Platte County, population growth also contributes to the increasing demand for real estate.—
Madeline King,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But economic uncertainty has brought challenges to the industry, as employers struggle to hire and retain workers and combat inflation and rising material costs.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Her memoir, published by Simon & Schuster in August 2022, details her mother’s narcissism and abuse amid that rising child stardom.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In response, Russia pivoted towards eastward to China again, signing the Power of Siberia Pipeline, and then accelerating the development of payment systems like Mir and System for Transfer of Financial Messages (SPFS) to circumvent Western financial systems.—
Earl Carr,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
-
If the slow-burn romances between Jim and Pam and, eventually, Dwight and Angela gave the original series heart, The Paper establishes several workplace pairings immediately and plainly, accelerating their advancement.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
With 2025 on track to bring more threats against members of Congress than any year in history, law enforcement agencies are bracing for a volatile era defined by surging political violence, swelling protest movements and a more muscular federal role in local communities.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Sep. 2025
-
An abdominal brace can help support the muscled and compress the area to reduce swelling.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Student Experience and Programming — expanding academic programs such as the Capstone Design, the Flowers Invention Studio, and the Student Competition Center by supporting faculty mentors and students.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
France, which plans to recognize a Palestinian state this month at the United Nations, also voiced its opposition to Israel expanding operations in Gaza.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Snowballing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snowballing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share