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bulk

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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

Examples of bulk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The flared style is made with a comfy four-way stretch fabric that will never feel restrictive, plus, the pants are devoid of buttons, pockets, and anything else that would add bulk or discomfort. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 Oct. 2024 These are designed to fit in laptop bags, slip into backpacks filled with books or even a coat or trouser pocket without unnecessary bulk. New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
The two streaming services, Max/Discovery+ (95 million global subscribers) and Paramount+ (63 million subs), are seen as subscale compared to the offerings from Netflix (247 million subscribers) or Disney+ (105 million core subs), with a merger helping to bulk them up. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2023 Harris hasn’t strayed too far off the Halloween path, bulking her filmography with appearances in scary movies like See No Evil (2014) and Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn (2015) and portraying a member of the Manson family cult in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Sophie T. Stern, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for bulk 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bulk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near bulk

Cite this Entry

“Bulk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bulk. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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