bulk out

Expand with extras

To bulk out something is to make it larger or more substantial, often by adding filler material.

A writer might bulk out an essay with unnecessary examples; a manufacturer might bulk out a product with cheaper ingredients: They bulked out the meatballs with breadcrumbs.

The phrase sometimes implies padding rather than genuine substance.

expansion

extend

Make longer or larger

enlargeIncrease in size
stretchPull to extend
lengthenIncrease in extent

elaborate · develop · amplify · augment · broaden · supplement · bolster · reinforce · thicken · deepen

padding

filler

Substance closing gaps

fluffLight, soft fibers
stuffingSeasoned mixture for cavities
paddingMaterial for cushioning

extender · additive · supplement · buffer · cushioning · packing · insulation · wadding · spacer · breadcrumbs

Opposites

volume/size change

bulk outslim down

Reduce body size

reduce · shrink · trim · cut down · pare down

substance/authenticity

bulk outdistill

Purify through vaporization

refine · strip down · concentrate · purify · streamline

content density

bulk outconcentrate

Reduced, potent form

intensify · enrich · fortify · strengthen · densify

Family

bulk, out, bulks, bulked, bulking, bulky, bulkier, bulkiest, bulkiness

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G