swell
Expand with pressure
The noun and verb swell have related meanings connected with expanding or growing larger.
To swell is to grow larger, especially from injury or infection.
When something abstract swells (swelling crowd, swelling population) it increases quickly.
A noise that swells becomes louder.
Large waves in the ocean, before they crest or break, are called swells.
The somewhat old-fashioned adjective swell is used appreciatively, sometimes ironically, for people and things that are agreeable and enjoyable: He’s a really swell guy.
Sudden powerful increase
- billowSwell outward with air
- rollerRotating cylindrical tool
- crestHighest point or tuft
- breakerWave that collapses shoreward
groundswell · whitecap · surf · undulation · tide · ripple · ocean · sea
Gradual increase in loudness
- buildCreate a structure
- riseMove to higher position
- surgeSudden powerful increase
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
fortissimo · dynamics · volume · intensity · orchestral · symphonic · strings · brass
Large or excellent
- fantasticRemarkably good or unreal
- wonderfulExtremely good, inspiring delight
- splendidImpressively beautiful or fine
- superbExtremely impressive, first-rate
marvelous · grand · fine · dandy · capital · terrific · first-rate · top-notch
expand
Increase in size
distend · dilate · bulge · puff · balloon · engorge · stretch · widen · thicken · broaden
surge
Sudden powerful increase
breaker · groundswell · whitecap · surf · undulation · tide · ripple · ocean · sea · surfing
crescendo
Gradual increase in loudness
climax · fortissimo · dynamics · volume · intensity · orchestral · symphonic · strings · brass · organ
great
Large or excellent
- fantasticRemarkably good or unreal
- wonderfulExtremely good, inspiring delight
- splendidImpressively beautiful or fine
superb · marvelous · grand · fine · dandy · capital · terrific · first-rate · top-notch · tip-top
edema
Pathological tissue puffiness
- puffinessMild tissue swelling
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- rednessCrimson-hued state
bruise · lump · bump · blister · hives · welt · contusion · abscess · goiter · lymph node
affluence
Abundance of money
- wealthAbundance of valuable resources
- abundanceAmple supply, overflowing
- luxuryExpensive nonessential comfort
opulence · boom · flourishing · thriving · fortune · plenty · windfall · success · golden age · heyday
- swell upIncrease in size abnormally
- ground swellRising tide of opinion
- swelled up
- swelled headExcessive self-importance
- ocean swellsLong open-sea waves
- brain swellingFluid accumulation in cranium