as in increasing
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the little problems we ignored began to snowball into huge headaches
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Recent Examples of snowballing
The Mandelson revelations have dominated British media for days, snowballing into one of the country’s biggest political scandals this century.
—
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
This kind of transparency builds safety and keeps small issues from snowballing into resentments.
—Molly Burrets, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
But the problem began snowballing only late last month, when Grok seemingly granted a large number of user requests to modify images posted by others.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
The result, advocates and doctors say, is that babies with certain genetic diseases are diagnosed only after symptoms start snowballing.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
But the problem began snowballing only late last month when Grok seemingly granted a large number of user requests to modify images posted by others.
—Kelvin Chan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Building momentum and snowballing your income is always satisfying.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
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
Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
This kind of transparency builds safety and keeps small issues from snowballing into resentments.
—Molly Burrets, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
But the problem began snowballing only late last month, when Grok seemingly granted a large number of user requests to modify images posted by others.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
The result, advocates and doctors say, is that babies with certain genetic diseases are diagnosed only after symptoms start snowballing.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 27 Jan. 2026
But the problem began snowballing only late last month when Grok seemingly granted a large number of user requests to modify images posted by others.
—Kelvin Chan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Building momentum and snowballing your income is always satisfying.
—Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snowballing
Verb
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This feeling of stasis is made all the more worrying by Ukraine’s increasing ability to strike inside Russia itself.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
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Verdier says the increasing regulation in the car industry and the push to move away from fossil fuels are part of the reason why Ferrari is so enthusiastic about this project.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Sentiment was hurt by the rising price of gas caused by the war, according to survey director Joanne Hsu.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
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Our teachers are making an impact every day while working with increasing local demands, rising expectations, and with less state funding.—
Clinton McCracken,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Use in hydrogen transportation The five-metal nanocrystals have proven effective in accelerating ammonia decomposition, a process vital for the hydrogen energy economy.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
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This ranges from accelerating road and sidewalk repairs to regularly cleaning our stormwater systems to prevent avoidable tragedies like the 2024 floods.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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More recently, the DIAN network has helped researchers assess the drugs' side effects, which include swelling and bleeding in the brain.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
7 May 2026
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According to both sources, treatment includes resting the wrist and thumb, applying ice to help with swelling and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Officials said the department is expanding coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services to include parents above that threshold.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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That means expanding solar on city facilities and exploring innovative energy options to reduce emissions and long-term costs.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Snowballing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snowballing. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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