swell 1 of 3

1
2

swell

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3

swell

3 of 3

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
Population Boom Texas has seen its population swell over the past decade with residents increasing by nearly four million between 2013 and 2023, more than any other state. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 In other animal news, scientists say they are awestruck over the unexpected arrival of a baby swell shark at Louisiana’s Shreveport Aquarium because no male sharks have visited the tank in years. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
While the crowds swell in July and August, Cádiz manages to retain its seductive mix of grandeur and grit year-round. Christopher Bagley, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025 The flooding is due to a series of heavy rainfall events that swelled the river over the last few days, according to officials. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
Noun
Multiple factors contribute to the discovery of bodies in the spring time, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, pointing to increasing water temperatures, the rate of water currents and a swell of activity on the water. Sam Gillette, People.com, 7 May 2025 The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first measles case Wednesday — news that comes amid a swell of measles cases across the country. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • The future of Hollywood depends on whether the industry recognizes that its greatest asset isn’t its distribution technology but its storytellers.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • The scene, staged at Carnegie Hall, a venue built by one of America’s great 19th century philanthropists, paid tribute to a long tradition of American giving, while pointing to new ways of thinking that are shaping the 21st century.
    Sam Jacobs, Time, 20 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
  • Net income increased almost thirteenfold last year to $192.4 million from $15.3 million in 2023.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 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
  • The company reopened an initial wave of nine locations on April 10, followed by a second wave of stores on May 1, and 70 more set for May 15.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • However, the oil industry looks more resilient today because of a wave of consolidation in which Big Oil companies with powerful balance sheets gobbled up smaller players.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!