Find Synonyms

swell Synonyms

Another word for swell

Choosing another word for swell depends on context, so the 50 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 8 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To increase gradually in magnitude, volume, or intensity.

Usage Example

"The orchestra's music began to increase, filling the entire concert hall with majestic sound."

Strongest
increase
grow
mount
Strong
rise
intensify
surge
build
crescendo
escalate
wax

• verb (Context 2)

To become larger or rounder in size, typically as a result of fluid accumulation or internal pressure.

Usage Example

"Her ankle began to distend almost immediately after the sprain."

Strongest
distend
puff up
expand
bloat
Strong
bulge
inflate
balloon
enlarge
dilate

• noun (Context 3)

A continuous, slow, and regular rolling movement of the sea that does not break into whitecaps.

Usage Example

"The boat rocked back and forth on the heavy ocean billow."

Strongest
billow
Strong
roller
surge
wave
undulation

• noun (Context 4)

A gradual increase in size, amount, volume, or intensity.

Usage Example

"There was a noticeable increase in the crowd's cheering as the runner approached the finish line."

Strongest
increase
rise
Strong
surge
crescendo
upsurge
growth
upswing
buildup
expansion

• verb (Context 5)

To cause something to expand, grow, or increase.

Usage Example

"Heavy spring rains continue to expand the local rivers well past their banks."

Strongest
expand
increase
enlarge
Strong
augment
boost
inflate
distend
amplify
multiply

• interjection (Context 6)

Used to express approval or, more commonly in modern usage, sarcastic resignation or annoyance.

Usage Example

"Oh, great, now the car has a flat tire."

Strongest
great
terrific
dandy
Strong
grand
super
splendid
wonderful
fantastic

• adjective (Context 7)

Excellent, very good, or highly satisfactory.

Usage Example

"We had a great time at the amusement park before the rain started."

Strongest
great
terrific
excellent
wonderful
dandy
splendid
grand
Strong
super
first-rate
fabulous

• noun (Context 8)

A wealthy, elegant, or socially prominent person.

Usage Example

"The grand hotel was traditionally a popular summer retreat for wealthy city swells."

Strongest
toff
dandy
Strong
socialite
nabob
aristocrat
bigwig
grandee
fop

Opposites of swell

The opposite of swell shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

diminish
awful
shrink
terrible
decrease
reduce
decline
go down
See all opposites of swell

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Swell. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/swell
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