Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for snowball.
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.

Before this series, the Lakers had a snowball in hell’s chance of winning it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

“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

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

He said apprentices would have "snowball" fights with asbestos and he knew of two women who died having probably inhaled particles while washing their husband's work clothes.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

George threw a snowball, and it hit Dari in the back of the head, but he ignored it.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

Vocabulary lists containing snowball

Novel Study: Hatchet

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!