snowball
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsnoʊbɔl/
KK: /ˈsnoʊˌbɔl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To increase quickly in size or importance, often in a way that becomes difficult to control.
Example
The project began to snowball after the initial funding was secured.
Tense Forms
Past: snowballed
Past Participle: snowballed
Conversation
Did you see how quickly that problem started to snowball yesterday?
Yeah, I couldn't believe how fast it got out of hand!
I hope we can fix it before it gets any worse, or it might really snowball.
Let's tackle it together; I think we can manage it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
escalate
increase
multiply
Antonyms
diminish
decrease
decline
noun
Definition
A round mass of soft, wet snow that is shaped into a ball, often used for throwing in games or play.
Example
The children had fun making a snowball to throw at each other during the winter.
Conversation
Did you see how much snowball fight fun we had last week?
Yeah, it was a blast!
I still have a few snowball remnants in my coat pockets.
transitive verb
Definition
To make something grow or increase quickly, or to throw snowballs at someone or something.
Example
The children decided to snowball each other during the winter break.
Tense Forms
Past: snowballed
Past Participle: snowballed
Conversation
Have you noticed how quickly this project is starting to snowball?
Yeah, it feels like we just started, but things are really picking up.
I know! It's amazing how fast ideas can snowball when everyone contributes.
Root Explanation
Snowball → The word is formed from "snow" (from Old English *snāw*, meaning frozen precipitation) and "ball" (from Old French *balle*, meaning a round object). Together, these parts describe a round object made of snow.
Memory Tip
Imagine a round object made of frozen precipitation — that's what a snowball is!
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.