SWELL Synonyms: 426 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

swell 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of swell next

as in great

of the very best kind what a swell time we had at the country club dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in happening

being in the latest or current fashion in its heyday as a summer resort, the town was known for its swanky hotels and swell restaurants

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

swell

2 of 3

verb

ˈswel

as in to increase

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number the club membership has really swelled in recent months

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to expand

to make greater in size, amount, or number more layoffs will swell the ranks of the unemployed to unprecedented levels

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as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point at that point the Congo River swells and forms Malebo Pool

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swell

3 of 3

noun

as in projection

a part that sticks out from the general mass of something the graceful swell of the bottle was meant to be evocative of the female figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wave

a moving ridge on the surface of water huge swells overwhelmed the tiny craft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

Redness: The skin may turn red and swell as blood flow returns to the area. —

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Nov. 2024 Bankers who help companies sell debt may see payouts swell as much as 35%, as deals pick up and capital markets rebound from multiyear lows, according to a report Thursday from compensation consultant Johnson Associates Inc. —

Katherine Doherty, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2024

Verb

In comparison, Costco’s peer Walmart’s (NYSE: WMT) stock has swelled about 80% over the same period. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, trouble breathing when lying down, and swelling of the extremities and stomach.7 Muscle cramping is another symptom—specifically leg cramps that come on at night, known as nocturnal leg cramps. —

Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

Noun

Voters swept President-elect Donald Trump back into office on what appears to be a swell of discontent over the state of the U.S. economy. —

Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Still, there was a swell of transactions among the 18- to 44-age set in the U.K., plus positive trends coming from the fragrance segment. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell

Adjective

And the Texans have been great in working to make sure [the show goes smoothly].

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
The event celebrates the lifetime achievements of America’s greatest artists: this year, that included The Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Francis Ford Coppola, Arturo Sandoval, and The Apollo Theater.

Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024