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

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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

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

On January 3, the Shreveport Aquarium in Louisiana welcomed a swell shark pup into the world under mysterious circumstances: It was born in a tank that housed only two sharks—and both were female. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025 Yoko the swell shark hatched from an egg that was discovered in a puzzling place — an all-female tank, the Shreveport Aquarium announced. —

Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

Verb

Symptoms can be hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and coughing or wheezing and, in severe cases of an allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, an individual can experience swelling of the throat, a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. —

Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 His signing swells the Aztecs’ 2025 recruiting class to 37 members. —

Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Noun

As chefs and other food influencers' cultural cache swells, cookbook clubs have risen as the tastiest way to get-together with friends. —

Andrew Zucker, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024 The sheriff's office also issued an evacuation order Monday afternoon for oceanfront residents along an approximately 3-mile stretch of shoreline just south of Santa Cruz, citing large swells and high tides. —

Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell

Adjective

Formulated with brightening niacinamide and fruit extracts rich in vitamin C, this clear, alcohol-free gel is a great pick for diminishing dark spots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone regardless of your skin type or skin tone.

— Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
There’s no on-site restaurant, but great food is near.

— Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025