swell 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of swellnext
1
as in great
of the very best kind what a swell time we had at the country club dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in happening
being in the latest or current fashion in its heyday as a summer resort, the town was known for its swanky hotels and swell restaurants

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swell

2 of 3

verb

ˈswel How to pronounce swell (audio)
1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the club membership has really swelled in recent months

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number more layoffs will swell the ranks of the unemployed to unprecedented levels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point at that point the Congo River swells and forms Malebo Pool

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swell

3 of 3

noun

1
as in projection
a part that sticks out from the general mass of something the graceful swell of the bottle was meant to be evocative of the female figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in wave
a moving ridge on the surface of water huge swells overwhelmed the tiny craft

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swell are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and inflate. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

In what contexts can amplify take the place of swell?

The synonyms amplify and swell are sometimes interchangeable, but amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than swell?

While the synonyms dilate and swell are close in meaning, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When could distend be used to replace swell?

The words distend and swell are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for swell?

Although the words expand and swell have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of swell?

While in some cases nearly identical to swell, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

How does the verb swell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swell are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and inflate. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

In what contexts can amplify take the place of swell?

The synonyms amplify and swell are sometimes interchangeable, but amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than swell?

While the synonyms dilate and swell are close in meaning, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When could distend be used to replace swell?

The words distend and swell are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for swell?

Although the words expand and swell have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of swell?

While in some cases nearly identical to swell, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

How does the verb swell differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of swell are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and inflate. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

In what contexts can amplify take the place of swell?

The synonyms amplify and swell are sometimes interchangeable, but amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When might dilate be a better fit than swell?

While the synonyms dilate and swell are close in meaning, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

When could distend be used to replace swell?

The words distend and swell are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When would expand be a good substitute for swell?

Although the words expand and swell have much in common, expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When is it sensible to use inflate instead of swell?

While in some cases nearly identical to swell, inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

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 swell
Adjective
And then there’s Lousy Louie, a basically swell kid, trying to stick to the straight and narrow during his first year of parole. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2025 Cowboys pass at will on Panthers’ defense While the Carolina defense continued to do a swell job against the run for a second consecutive weekend, the coverage unit left a lot to be desired against Prescott and the Cowboys’ aerial attack. —Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
Irene makes an evil smile and heads out as the music swells. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 The score from The Princess Bride swelled as Reiner’s onetime (or sometimes multiple-time) actors turned to face him and pay their final respects. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
But there has been a swell of opposition, with neighbors raising concerns about potential traffic congestion, light and noise pollution, safety, and the prospect of even more development. —Megan Vaz, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026 Even before that meeting, the tide had turned for Paramount in a swell of power, politics and brinkmanship. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
  1. great
  2. happening
  3. increase
  4. expand
  5. protrude
  6. projection
  7. wave
  8. excellent
Adjective
  • With various pockets for groups to catch up and a secret bookcase that leads to a private room, Darby Winery is a great option for both excellent wines and unique design.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The settings feature 12 different temperatures backed by infared technology to fit any styling mood (the lower temperatures are great for creating waves without completely frying off your hair).
    — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • The ship is thoughtfully designed to allow for ample space so guests do not feel overcrowded, even in the most happening spots.
    — Susan Barnes, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
  • While the overarching trend for fall is still lowest maintenance possible, there's a bit more happening than your typical sunny blondes and balayage brunettes.
    — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2020
Definition of happening
Verb
  • Call-out rates have increased at some airports, leading to longer screening times for many passengers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • As temperatures swell, so too does the cooling demand which can increase the strain on the power grid of an entire region.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Other bank expansions in Charlotte Several other banks have been expanding in the Charlotte region, too.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Production plans call for an initial deployment of dozens of units this year, scaling to thousands annually as manufacturing capacity expands.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of expand
Verb
  • Or if a finger was so sliced open that the bone protruded.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The front tire was flat, with a screw protruding from it.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of protrude
Noun
  • The palace, looming grandly just behind the stage, was lit up with a dynamic video projection, integrating it into the concert — the first time the historic and deeply symbolic structure had ever been used for a pop show.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The team has talent, but the preseason projection models do not have Texas as a playoff favorite.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of projection
Noun
  • For a wave of young jewelry brands that built their businesses on the promise of high-quality pieces without the high jewelry price tag, that’s a problem.
    — Andrea Bossi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The settings feature 12 different temperatures backed by infared technology to fit any styling mood (the lower temperatures are great for creating waves without completely frying off your hair).
    — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of wave
Adjective
  • Its keyboard and trackpad are mostly as excellent as those on a MacBook Air, only smaller.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
  • These cabins are located amongst the splendor of the Badlands National Park; expect to wake up surrounded by nature and excellent views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

sweet tooth
swell
swelled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Nglish: Translation of swell for Spanish Speakers

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