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bulk

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word bulk different from other nouns like it?

The words mass and volume are common synonyms of bulk. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

Where would mass be a reasonable alternative to bulk?

While in some cases nearly identical to bulk, mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

When could volume be used to replace bulk?

The words volume and bulk are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

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 bulk
Noun
Acquired in bulk for pennies on the dollar from hospitals and collection agencies, the debt by its very nature belongs to those least able to pay, so there’s no way to request or apply for the relief. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025 Through this program, the county provides the funding and Undue Medical Debt acquires qualifying debts in bulk for a fraction of their face value from provider partners such as hospitals and health systems along with collection agencies. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
In the past, the Bulls bulked at offers for LaVine. Darnell Mayberry, The Athletic, 11 July 2024 Cullen immediately went to work bulking Armstrong up, preparing him for the rigors of ovals. Jenna Fryer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for bulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulk
Noun
  • The majority on the Commissioners Court shouldn’t seek to silence minority voices through a violation of the Voting Rights Act, the letters said.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2025
  • But multiple Republicans in the Senate, where the party holds a slim majority, have balked at its effects on the deficit, as well as several major proposals in the legislation that would result in millions of Americans losing access to Medicaid coverage.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • The two of you might share an intimate bond that is never given a name but carries unmistakable emotional weight.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Baby is experiencing a steady increase in head circumference, length, and weight.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The sea mammals can live up to 90 years, and reach sizes of 60 feet in length and 40 tons, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 2 June 2025
  • The Mammuthus skeleton was mighty, too: nearly fourteen feet tall, flamboyantly curved tusks, femurs the size of hockey sticks.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Listen to this article 2 min Tensions flared during Saturday's NCAA baseball game between Samford and Mercer. Samford outfielder Michael Gupton hit a two-run homer to increase the Bulldogs' lead over the Mercer Bears.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
  • Such technology can increase sales from 25 to 57 percent, according to GK’s Arthur Hagiage.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Collectively, businesses that operate in Florida pay more than $1 billion every year to bloat the government.
    Scott Shalley, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
  • Cysts are common and can often be harmless and cause little to no discomfort, but larger cysts can bring about symptoms including pelvic pain, abdominal pressure and bloating, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • One aspect of this is a narrow view of what women’s health encompasses – and a historic lack of paying attention to the unique ways that women’s bodies differ from men’s.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • My style is almost childlike, but the scale of it is pretty true — like the proportions of a head and a body.
    Mona Chalabi, IndieWire, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • There's a parallel dimension out there where this movie is really weird.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 31 May 2025
  • While officials at Manchester City object to portrayals of their 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour, now vice-president of the UAE, as anything but a personal investment, those in Paris and Doha do not dispute the geopolitical dimension behind QSI’s acquisition of PSG.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Its core of hydrogen fusion will expand and, in doing so, inflate the outer atmosphere of the star into gross proportions.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 June 2025
  • With festering worries related to economic uncertainty, inflated costs, and federal policy whiplash, the popularity of park vacations is no coincidence.
    Time, Time, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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