Swell meaning

What does “swell” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“swell” is a noun, verb and adjective with 11 meanings. Its most common meaning is: the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea.

swell

the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
Synonymscrestless wave
a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor)
a crescendo followed by a decrescendo
a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
Synonymsdandy dude fop gallant sheik beau fashion plate clotheshorse

increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity
“The music swelled to a crescendo”
become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger
“The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son”
Synonymspuff up
expand abnormally
“The bellies of the starving children are swelling”
Synonymsswell up intumesce tumefy tumesce
come up (as of feelings and thoughts, or other ephemeral things)
“Strong emotions welled up”
“Smoke swelled from it”
Synonymswell up
come up, as of a liquid
“Tears well in her eyes”
“the currents well up”
Synonymswell
cause to become swollen
“The water swells the wood”

very good
“he did a bully job”
“a neat sports car”
Synonymsbang-up bully corking cracking dandy great groovy keen

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University