1
as in increases
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the number of students who stay home sick balloons every winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in protrudes
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the paper bag ballooned and blew away as the wind lifted it skyward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 balloons
Cut with a curved outer seam that balloons slightly through the thigh before tapering at the ankle, the shape is all about creating volume.
—
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025
The mid-rise jeans have an exaggerated barrel silhouette that balloons out at the knee and tapers into a wide-leg fit at the ankle.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
The specter of inflation will only reappear if the Fed balloons the money supply.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balloons
Verb
-
But there are several notable categories where the quality increases with cost, and one of those is noise-canceling headphones.—
-
Pushing frozen branches upright quickly increases the chances of breakage.—
Verb
-
Baleen is a specialized type of bone that protrudes from the jaws like teeth and is used to filter small critters from the ocean water to feed.—
Verb
-
When wet clothes are placed near exterior walls—which are much colder than interior walls in the winter—moisture rises to the cold surface, creating the perfect conditions for trapping moisture and causing mold growth.—
-
During this season, sap rises to the top of the tree.—
Verb
-
Is every head that pokes in to look at me actually Frank himself?—
-
The Aries moon pokes holes in old insecurities about competence and productivity.—
Verb
-
While the number of retirees swells, the pool of workers funding the social safety net — and caring for the aging population — is narrowing.—
-
There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.—
Verb
-
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a brain aneurysm is a weakened area in an artery that bulges outward and fills with blood.—
Verb
-
This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
-
That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Verb
-
Right now, Apple AirTags, Vera Bradley bags, Joanna Gaines’ home decor, and Ninja kitchen appliances are up to 70 percent off.—
-
Shop spacious totes like the Station and City bags for under $165, plus small, packable crossbody bags with plenty of room for all your everyday essentials.—
Cite this Entry
“Balloons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balloons. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share