bulk out

To add more material or content so something becomes fuller or goes further.

• Potatoes help bulk out the soup.
• He bulked out his report with extra examples.
• We bulked the meat out with lentils to feed everyone.

How to use it: bulk something out with something (You can bulk the stew out with beans.)

Similar words: pad out, extend, supplement

Common phrases: bulk out something, bulk out soup, bulk out reports

To make something thicker or larger by adding material.

• Extra layers bulk out the coat.
• She bulked out the costume with foam.
• Can we bulk these cushions out a little?

How to use it: bulk something out with something (We bulked the cushion out with extra stuffing.)

Similar words: thicken, pad out, enlarge

Opposites: thin

Common phrases: bulk out something, bulk out cushions

To become thicker, heavier, or larger in size.

• His shoulders began to bulk out.
• She bulked out after months of strength training.
• Will your muscles bulk out with these exercises?

Similar words: grow, thicken

Opposites: shrink

Common phrases: bulk out naturally, bulk out quickly

To develop more content, detail, or strength.

• The report began to bulk out.
• Her story bulked out as she added new characters.
• The proposal will bulk out as more evidence arrives.

Similar words: develop, expand

Common phrases: bulk out gradually, bulk out considerably