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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

But a mood is brewed — dank and laced with hints of fantasy — and if Peter Strickland and Alex Garland got to these ideas sooner, those guys are swell company to be in. —

Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 That seemed like a swell idea to him until the guy turned on the heat and the lizards all became re-capacitated. —

Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

As credit card balances swell, the share of delinquent balances is also rising. —

Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025 The new arrivals have swelled the pool of workers and consumers in Spain. —

Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025

Noun

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office 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. —

Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2024 Fans desperate to see the game – and other big names, including Mike Tyson and LL Cool J – attempted to break through double doors that opened inward as opposed to swinging outward, and a massive crowd swell rushed toward the entrance. —

Tracy Wright, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for swell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for swell

Adjective

Ovechkin began this season with 853 goals — 41 shy of Gretzky’s 894 — and got off to a great start before missing time with an injury in December and slowing down a bit since his return.

— Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025
Remember, your unique perspective is your greatest strength.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2025