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.

The report had the effect of snowballing losses, as the company had already disclosed problems impacting over 6,000 aircraft.

From MarketWatch

“Sometimes those ripples can kind of snowball,” Prior said.

From Los Angeles Times

The fees often snowball and have resulted in people serving jail time for unpaid traffic tickets or housing code violations.

From Washington Post

But Jordan said once the six-month consultation with those who live, work and volunteer at the park began the project snowballed.

From BBC