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bulk

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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
Feel free to assemble this recipe as a parfait in a jar or glass, or add granola for a little extra bulk and crunch. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025 Yun Hai, a specialty food shop in New York City, buys directly from rice farms, soy sauce breweries and mills in Taiwan, then ships the goods over in bulk, supplying grocery stores and restaurants across the country. Kim Severson, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Both the fourth and fifth images came out great, although the fourth one bulked the subject up a little. Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024 For example, many stevia products sold in stores contain additional ingredients, including bulking agents and other sweeteners. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bulk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bulk
Noun
  • That’s kind of the majority of what Jax’s involvement is.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The free version also gives you access to the vast majority of the app's features.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Today, the keto diet is often advertised and used for weight loss.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • For some people, intensive insulin treatment can contribute to weight gain.
    Julia Ries, Health, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Clamp size Not every phone mount is compatible with every bike.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And when talking about muscle strength and size, time under tension—and that hurts-so-good burn that comes with it—isn’t the be all, end all.
    Jordan Smith, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Early, transparent culture dialogues increase odds of integration success because various systems, processes and operational infrastructures start communicating from the get-go.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This initiative is driven by the goal of establishing a closed-loop raw material cycle and acknowledging the increasing significance of recycled materials in future battery production.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Common side effects include diarrhea, bloating, gas, and dizziness.
    Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This provides the advantage of improving tannin equilibrium by exposure to cooler nights, but also enhances the risk of exposure to rainfall, which can bloat grapes and encourage mold and mildew.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Other mothers told me that some of their darkest moments came when their own body didn’t cooperate.
    Jessica Slice, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Marcelle Bacchus, McAlmont's aunt, said in an April 11 Facebook post that the victim's body was supposed to be released from a mortuary on April 10 but was not released due to a spelling error with his name.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This will develop a series of benchmarks that provide rigorous metrics and assessment frameworks to measure how AI systems contribute to human flourishing across cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions.
    Tracey Follows, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Coop’s ex-wife doesn’t completely despise him, and Amanda Peet manages to give her more dimension than what’s on the page.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Drake has already addressed the beef in lawsuits filed against his record company Universal Music Group accusing them of defamation and inflating streams for the diss track.
    Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Every bribe paid to a government official inflates the cost of government contracts and makes consumers pay more for government services.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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