snowball

[snoh-bawl] / ˈsnoʊˌbɔl /

VERB

increase

Synonyms

STRONGEST

escalate heighten intensify multiply proliferate swell widen

STRONG

advance aggrandize aggravate amplify annex augment boost broaden build burgeon deepen develop dilate distend double enhance enlarge exaggerate expand extend further grow inflate lengthen magnify mount pad progress prolong protract pullulate raise redouble reinforce rise sharpen soar spread strengthen supplement swarm teem thicken triple upsurge wax

WEAK

build up run up slap on step up tack on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decrease lessen lower weaken

STRONG

abbreviate abridge compress condense contract curtail cut decline deflate degrade depress diminish discourage drop fall hinder hurt minimize narrow recede reduce retreat retrogress shorten shrink slump subtract take back undermine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some districts suggest the confidentiality restrictions are needed to avoid a “snowball effect” of further litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is like a snowball that has been rolling downhill and growing and growing,” Curtis said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr Foster claimed many teachers "turned a blind eye" to cheating, which had allowed the problem to "snowball".

From BBC

Becky turned detective - and she discovered that reports of similar incidents nearby had "snowballed".

From BBC

Over 18 months, small increases in spending on dining, travel and online shopping snowballed into nearly $30,000 in debt.

From MarketWatch