bulk 1 of 2

1
2
3

bulk

2 of 2

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
  • This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
  • Trump still taunts Christie, an early supporter and 2016 transition chief, especially about his weight.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • In terms of the size of the effect, both improvements and reductions were moderate.
    Paul McClure June 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
  • The efficiency of these water harvesters depends on decreasing the size of the filaments and the mesh holes.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Tacoma did its own analysis and found that people with a regular housing voucher, and no time limit, actually fared better at increasing their incomes and moving on.
    Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Mahan won his first term as mayor in 2022 with 51.3% of the vote after residents pushed to move the mayoral election to align with the presidential one to increase voter turnout.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Digestive symptoms like bloating and nausea are common.1 Almost half of all toxic megacolon cases are triggered by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), like ulcerative colitis.
    Janelle McSwiggin, Health, 6 June 2025
  • Fiber-rich foods can cause gas or bloating for people who typically follow a low-fiber diet.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • There are articles from the National Library of Medicine that refer to mirror movement as involuntary, simultaneous, identical movements on one side of the body that mirror the voluntary movements from the other side of the body.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • This is not the first time the governing body has taken action on stewards making media remarks in recent years.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Grand villas are typified by their vast dimensions and sophisticated architectural style.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
  • For the same physical dimensions and voltage, less current flows through CNT wire, resulting in lower output.
    Joe Salas June 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bulk

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!