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Definitions

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

At recess they’d made snow forts and had snowball fights and Jack was a master—his fort was bigger and thicker than everyone else’s, and his snowballs seemed to have targeting computers on them.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu