Definition of volumenext
1
2
as in amount
a given or particular mass or aggregate of matter produces great volumes of work each day

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold state the barrel's volume in terms of gallons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word volume different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and mass are common synonyms of volume. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

When can bulk be used instead of volume?

The meanings of bulk and volume largely overlap; however, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

When might mass be a better fit than volume?

The words mass and volume are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

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 volume Every July 4, the communications center in Rancho Cordova handles its highest call volume. Andrew Graham july 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 Among the potential complications are severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and loss of fluid volume in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Previous management teams had hoped that the company’s costs could be covered just by increasing sales volume. Andrew Staples, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Force’s plan came to fruition in 1837, when the government published nine volumes—most of them considerably more than 1,000 pages—under the magisterial title American Archives. T. H. Breen, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for volume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volume
Noun
  • The brand has tons of airy dresses, breezy tops, lightweight bottoms, and vacation-ready staples that feel elevated (without the designer price tag).
    Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
  • Come for all the doggie high jinks – thanks to a ton of animatronic animals and a John Hughes screenplay – and stay for Close getting dunked in a vat of molasses.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • Ritolia estimates Russian gasoline production is currently running at around 20% below domestic demand because of the Ukrainian strikes, with refinery runs (the amount of crude oil refineries are processing) at multi-year lows.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The future king of Britain descends from American patriots who fought against the crown he is destined to inherit, according to a new book tracing Prince William's family tree.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The midnight fireworks display on the National Mall on July 4 was one for the history books.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Since the stadium was adjusted, reducing the capacity, raising prices and adding suites, the atmosphere has become a little less intimidating.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • State leaders pointed to existing defense assets, manufacturing capacity, and workforce as key factors in attracting the company.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Double bag any heavy trash bags or loads that contain a lot of wet food to prevent rips and leaks.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Battery systems could support those loads alongside renewable generation or other power sources.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Users can sign up for free on the website with their email, then enter the items in their fridge and pantry, along with their quantities and expiration dates, to get access to Grocery Genius’ features.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
  • Going forward, scientists still need to conduct broader lab tests on human cells in order to figure out how severely various quantities of 6PPD-Q contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Reaching for a film camera instead of a phone, or a paperback instead of a feed, creates a moment of friction, and that friction is exactly the point.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs is available in paperback from William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Tyler had numerous godchildren, more than a dozen nieces and nephews and multiple great-nieces and great-nephews.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The smaller adults’ pool has six cabanas and around two dozen chaise lounges, but never seems to be too crowded to find a seat, remaining gloriously tranquil from morning until night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Volume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volume. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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