Definition of volumenext
1
2
as in amount
a given or particular mass or aggregate of matter produces great volumes of work each day

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold state the barrel's volume in terms of gallons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word volume different from other nouns like it?

The words bulk and mass are common synonyms of volume. While all three words mean "the aggregate that forms a body or unit," volume applies to an aggregate without shape or outline and capable of flowing or fluctuating.

a tremendous volume of water

When can bulk be used instead of volume?

The meanings of bulk and volume largely overlap; however, bulk implies an aggregate that is impressively large, heavy, or numerous.

the darkened bulk of the skyscrapers

When might mass be a better fit than volume?

The words mass and volume are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mass suggests an aggregate made by piling together things of the same kind.

a mass of boulders

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 volume The lake is also the second-smallest Great Lake by volume, holding about 393 cubic miles of water, according to the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Compounding risks Of key concern is how the lake changes amid on-going rain, which could add significant amounts of water volume – putting more pressure on the dam and creating further risk of breach. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Morris’s book focuses only on the representation of real animals; cataloguing mythic and hybrid creatures would take another volume entirely. Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Department of Energy data released earlier this month showed oil volumes in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit lows not seen since the 1980s. Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for volume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for volume
Noun
  • One of the rentable rooms is the bank vault, which still has its six-ton door and reinforced concrete walls.
    Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, the Swiss village of Blatten was completely buried after a glacier collapsed, sending millions of tons of ice and rock down mountainside.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Expect the Vikings to do a hefty amount of running toward the left side of the line of scrimmage.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • If the credit bid is successful, the creditor wins the asset and the debtor gets a deduction of the judgment for the amount of the credit bid.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the center of town, check out Inquiring Minds Bookstore for used and new books with a great kids’ section or Enoki for an eclectic mix of Asian pantry items and vintage clothing.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Across the country, churches and city halls opened specially on Saturday so people could light candles, write down their thoughts about the deceased king in condolence books.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, relationships themselves teach basic psychological capacities such as regulating emotions, tolerating disappointment, and negotiating differences—skills which therapy is supposed to cultivate.
    David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, Hongqi said the solar roof could help supply lower-voltage electrical loads, including air conditioning, refrigerators and the vehicle’s sentry or monitoring systems.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Together, Jaybush, Brad Chambers, and the American Heavy Moving team figured out a route through the city that avoided street trees, tight turns, and roads that run above old, fragile sewer pipes, which aren’t rated for heavy loads.
    Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Its architecture could contribute to future efforts involving inexpensive rockets produced in much larger quantities.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • By contrast, Hims ships larger quantities of products at less frequent intervals for a discount.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Shelves are stocked with everything from children’s books and paperbacks to rare finds, priced at $2 for Step Into Reading children’s books, $4 for paperbacks and other children’s books, $8 for hardcovers at $8 and rare books individually priced.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Otherwise, upgrade your work bag with this roomy tote that fits a laptop yet can be folded into the size of a paperback book.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There were dozens of officers and police vehicles seen in the area, along with ambulances.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Smalltown daughter of a farmer and homemaker who cared for a dozen children in a cabin without electricity.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Volume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/volume. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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