1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the number of students who stay home sick balloons every winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the paper bag ballooned and blew away as the wind lifted it skyward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balloon
The company has ballooned into one of the most valuable private companies on the planet, reaching a valuation of $850 billion earlier this year.
—
Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Musk’s own net worth has rapidly ballooned in value.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 12 June 2026
As data volumes ballooned, the problem only intensified.
—Scott Fulton, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
His following on the platform ballooned to nearly 3 million people.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for balloon
Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 13 June 2026
Musk’s own net worth has rapidly ballooned in value.
—Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 12 June 2026
As data volumes ballooned, the problem only intensified.
—Scott Fulton, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
His following on the platform ballooned to nearly 3 million people.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for balloon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balloon
Verb
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Baird added that interest in luxury homes has increased recently among SpaceX's mid-30s to early-40s employee base, according to California real estate agents.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
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Be careful when riding back downtown on a bike, as the hill notoriously increases cycling speed.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Verb
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And while certainly shaken up, the driver and passenger (also test dummies in this case) likely could have walked away without being struck by shattered glass or a protruding antler.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
18 June 2026
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The problem was that many of them protruded from the front of vehicles like miniature medieval weapons.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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At the same time, agriculture is one of the sectors most threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures set to devastate food crops around the world.—
Jasmin Sykes,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Cloudy and rainy conditions prevail throughout the morning, then in the afternoon the sun pokes through with calm winds.—
Kendrick Calfee
June 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
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Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the top.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Verb
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If emotions swell, step outside for a breath, then return with compassion for yourself and others.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
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Alerts in effect for parts of SoCal beaches Southerly swells, or waves, are expected to continue impacting coastal waters through at least Monday, June 15, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The Babe’s advancing age and bulging midsection were the easy targets.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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And, soon, the OCFA crew learns that one of three storage tanks at the plant — one that contains the chemical methyl methacrylate, or MMA — is bulging.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The left-hander had a loose body removed from his elbow in an innovative surgical procedure on May 6 that accelerated his return.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
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In 2026, many believed the war might accelerate regime change.—
Julia Vargas Jones,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balloon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balloon. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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