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 Multiply either number by 300 loads per year and the volume is substantial. Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026 Scientists estimate that since the early 20th century, the Central Valley has lost more groundwater than the total volume of Lake Tahoe. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 If your main goal is getting another day out of your hair without sacrificing volume, this dry shampoo is worth a look. Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Tool adoption and prompt volume aren’t the same as business impact. Matt Waxman, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for volume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volume
Noun
  • Inside a Tennessee laboratory, a robotic arm spent eight weeks 3D-printing a two-ton, six-foot-tall block of molten steel.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • It’s guaranteed to leave a smooth, humidity-resistant finish that holds up on muggy days and adds a ton of shine to dull and overworked strands.
    Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One of the reasons that global oil prices haven’t risen higher in recent months is that Saudi Arabia has still been able to export large amounts of Gulf oil via the Red Sea instead.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The release of Mohammadi's book this month coincides with Amini's death to honor her memory, her representatives said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Annie Dillard became the youngest woman ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, at the age of 28, for her book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.
    Scott Simon, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Preckwinkle aimed the loans at districts with limited borrowing capacity or low cash reserves, offering interest-free money with a simpler application.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Upgrading avionics, computers, and maintenance systems would also squeeze more useful capacity out of the existing fleet.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • If those loads would also have gone through a dryer, the savings grow even more.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • How to reduce water usage when doing laundry Only run full loads.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Consumers should also be aware that fermentation naturally produces a small quantity of alcohol, with levels potentially less predictable in homemade kefir.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Large quantities of gold have been smuggled out of the country to finance the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, who control gold-producing areas in Darfur and Kordofan regions, according to experts commissioned by the United Nations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Lion Hearts, the third novel in his Essex Dogs trilogy, a thriller series set in 14th-century France and England, is now in paperback.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Published in 1986 by Simon & Schuster, McMurtry’s novel — the first in the Lonesome Dove book series — spent 24 consecutive weeks in hardcover and 28 consecutive weeks in paperback on NYT’s Bestseller list, selling over 4 million copies.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In my ideal world there would be dozens of essay collections by excellent writers (Choi is a poet) on culture and politics, technology and the evils of capitalism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The president has promised dozens more trips in the coming weeks.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Volume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volume. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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