swell 1 of 3

1
2

swell

2 of 3

verb

1
2
3

swell

3 of 3

noun

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

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 swell
Adjective
At the time the boat capsized, the weather was allegedly 30 knot winds and 6-8 foot swell, per the release. Escher Walcott, People.com, 22 June 2025 The line between triumph and tragedy is incredibly thin, and 100 Foot Wave conveys that simultaneous elation and danger with every swooping drone shot of a surfer cutting a line through a swell and every splash of filmy foam on the camera lens. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 May 2025
Verb
McCausland said her symptoms first appeared during her early teens: leg pain, swelling and bruising from the slightest touch. Francesca Gilbard, NBC news, 10 July 2025 The woman had swelling and bruising to her face, bruising throughout her body, bite marks, a left rib fracture and other injuries, according to charging documents. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
Large swells generated by Flossie will cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico, and the Baja California peninsula during the next few days. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 There are a variety of signs on the ocean to know the right direction, such as visible land masses, heavenly bodies, swells, and winds. ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for swell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell
Adjective
  • This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the overarching trend for fall is still lowest maintenance possible, there's a bit more happening than your typical sunny blondes and balayage brunettes.
    Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2020
  • What was once a sleepy college town next to a railroad stop is now one of the most happening cities in the state of Texas.
    Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2018
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The 8000 was born after the engineers at GE Aerospace reconfigured the Passport’s software and McCullough’s team expanded the fuel capacity in the wings.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
  • Once a colony forms, more ants will follow and the colony will start to expand.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • In Khao Yai National Park near Kong Kaeo Waterfall, for example, researchers found a robber fly attached to the bottom of a leaf with small flower-like growths protruding from its head, thorax and abdomen, earning the new fungus the name Ophiocordyceps floriformis.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Wilson was sporting a welt on the protruding bone on his left wrist after the game, which quickly received a wrap from the team’s medical staff.
    Chris Biderman July 8, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • That’s despite a projection of 92.9 wins — just a 33-29 record the rest of the way — while the World Series title odds dropped to 10.4% (from 10.6% last week).
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
  • This suggests that while there is still hiring in some areas, corporate projections of new jobs have dropped.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • That middle-aged wave of insomnia has taught me not to take restful sleep for granted.
    Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swell. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on swell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!