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swell

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of swell

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 of the very best kind

what a swell time we had at the country club dance

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Antonyms for swell

2 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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swell

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of swell (Entry 2 of 3)

1 to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

the club membership has really swelled in recent months

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2 to make greater in size, amount, or number

more layoffs will swell the ranks of the unemployed to unprecedented levels

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maximize

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3 to extend outward beyond a usual point

at that point the Congo River swells and forms Malebo Pool

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dome

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swell

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of swell (Entry 3 of 3)

1 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

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dome

hill,
mound

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Antonyms for swell

2 a moving ridge on the surface of water

huge swells overwhelmed the tiny craft

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sea(s)

surf

comber,
curl

Frequently Asked Questions About swell

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