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.

“I’m not saying there won’t be problems, but the problems won’t cascade and snowball into a bigger problem,” Blankfein said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

“It was like losing the worst snowball fight of your life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The suit was filed on behalf of a Costco member in the state, Matthew Stockov, and seeks class-action status, meaning it has the potential to snowball into something bigger.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

A failure to exert scoreboard pressure led to a snowball effect and a game that was quickly out of reach.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

“Naw. Not outside. I’ll show you on the bus. I was going to show you this morning, but you were too busy recovering from my snowball assault to get to the bus stop on time.”

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

snowball

Example Sentences

Related Words