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

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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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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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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wave

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

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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 of swell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

It’s been comprehensively refurbished since its current owner acquired it in 2018 and looks to be in swell shape. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2024 One such example of a brand that got its start at Violet Grey is Augustinus Bader, which has seen sales swell in record time. —

James Manso, WWD, 16 Sep. 2024

Verb

Though many people may not present any symptoms at this stage some can begin to manifest such as pain in the lower back, swelling, or blood may appear in urine. Stage 4: At this stage, the kidneys are severely damaged, resulting in a high risk of kidney failure and heart disease. —

Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024 Before that, doctors performed Gamma Knife surgery to remove a brain tumor, and gave Eddie steroid pills to combat swelling. —

Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024

Noun

The Greens’ decision, along with the awful circumstances of the boy’s death, led to a swell of media attention across Italy. —

Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024 As the cost of higher education swells, the $130 billion private education loan industry has grown —more than 70% between 2010 and 2019, according to the Student Borrower Protection Center. —

Annie Nova, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swell

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Style

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 26 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of swell

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verb

noun

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