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 In order to oxygenate themselves, these massive systems inhale huge volumes of fresh air from the surrounding area, much as a hurricane does, and with similar effects on windspeed. John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 Deeper Water, Flash Floods, and Rough Waves A heavy rainstorm can come with intense wind and a high volume of rainfall. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2026 From a distance, the scaffolding reads like a minimalist green volume, almost a building onto itself at urban scale. Lauren Sinclair, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2026 Those increases in volume and complexity can easily outpace the savings from initial lower prices. Bryan Murphy, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for volume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volume
Noun
  • The latter is a very eccentric and memorable fighter who always brings tons of energy into the Octagon.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In a laboratory 2 kilometers underground, a crane lowers Matt Depatie, a detector technologist, through a hatch into a white-walled cavern filled with about 7,000 tons of ultrapure water that glows as blue as wiper fluid in the light.
    James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, consuming large amounts—such as those used in studies where up to 1/2 cup was consumed daily—can start to weaken and damage tooth enamel.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Fontainbleau There will be an extraordinary amount of money moving through Las Vegas when Formula One returns to the Strip this November.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The prosecution’s case is largely built on the defendant’s own words, including his book, podcast and documentary interviews and statements to police.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • One page, on paper, taped inside the front cover of a book, written before anyone knew the full answer and precisely because nobody did.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That means investing in domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply chains for critical components and accelerating the deployment of American robotics across industry.
    Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Blanche has already been leading the department in an acting capacity, his confirmation could free him to pursue the administration’s agenda even more aggressively.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The type of helicopter that crashed can carry heavy loads and is commonly used in firefighting operations, with the ability to carry a more than 2,000-gallon tank.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • When temperatures exceed 110°F, passenger planes must consider lightening their loads.
    John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That mind is a model, an enormous statistical object assembled by feeding it a quantity of text and images nobody has ever fully itemized.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Sand quantity Every kinetic sand kit includes a different amount of sand.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As a testament to its popularity, Better Than the Movies has been appeared on the New York Times monthly YA paperback list for 44 consecutive months and its weekly YA hardcover list for 20 weeks.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Memphis Moon is available internationally in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • There will also be nearly two dozen Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans deployed to help people in need get medical assistance, meals and more.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Residents of dozens of villages have been forcibly displaced.
    Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Volume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volume. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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