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swell

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verb

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swell

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noun

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

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
Small craft should exercise caution in the Gulf Stream for seas building to six feet in a long period swell. Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 If Orlando ends up getting the Jaguars for a season, swell. Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
However, dizziness will occur with other symptoms such as hives (urticaria), swelling (angioedema), respiratory distress, digestive issues, or a significant drop in blood pressure. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Apr. 2025 Complications from measles include ear infections, hearing loss, pneumonia, croup, diarrhea, blindness, and swelling of the brain, the CDC said. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
In the 2000s, advancements in DNA sequencing led to a swell of genetic research that found that about two-thirds of those familial cases are connected to a handful of genetic mutations. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2025 Electric Vehicles In his initial swell of executive orders, Trump repealed the Biden administration’s target that 50 percent of new vehicles sold in the U.S. would be battery-powered by 2030. Ethan Karp, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • White Smoke Billows from Vatican Chimney White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Thursday, signaling that a new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—had been chosen on the second day of the conclave.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • There is seemingly a show for each subgenre for fans of all those great 2000s series.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas.
    Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA), the filing threshold was increased to $11,580,000 in 2020, and $11,700,000 in 2021 and is adjusted for inflation thereafter through 2025.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • But in May 2023, while out for a run, the New Hampshire native noticed something strange: a large bump protruding from her abdomen.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The actor shared memories of the time his balls unwittingly protruded out of his boxer briefs during an off-Broadway production, on the latest episode of the SmartLess podcast.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This Broncos draft class is perhaps particularly interesting in that department, given the projection involved with Harvey, first-round pick Jahdae Barron’s versatility, and the light collegiate snap counts for OLB Que Robinson and TE Caleb Lohner.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • The most recent population projection by the Florida Bureau of Economic Research estimates that Florida’s population will increase from approximately 22.6 million in 2023 to between roughly 24.7 and 31.4 million in 2050, a 9.3 to 38.8% increase.
    Bob Maliva, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Goggins made waves recently with a steamy photo shoot for Cultured magazine.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • Furthermore, the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (FR2), which offers higher bandwidth and throughput, can significantly enhance satellite communications.
    Iri Trashanki, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Maddison is responsible for dropping deep and pinging passes into dangerous areas, while Kulusevski and Bergvall are excellent ball-carriers.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • The Spa The wellness spaces were not yet ready during my visit, so the hotel arranged an excellent massage in my suite.
    David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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