Synonyms for

Boulder

Verb / ˈbəʊldɜ: / Another word for boulder — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a large rock, typically one that has been worn smooth by erosion

Synonyms & similar words

bowlder boulder rock stone pebble cobble cliff outcrop crag scree gravel boulderstone megalith monolith massif tor kopje glacier landslide avalanche talus lith

Synonyms by register

Formal

mass rock stone

Informal

rock lump

Literary

monolith great stone

Antonyms

pebble gravel sand dust particle grain

Common collocations

  • large boulder
  • round boulder
  • heavy boulder
  • massive boulder
  • smooth boulder
  • jagged boulder
  • boulder field
  • boulder garden

Word family

noun boulder

Usage note

A boulder is a large, detached rock. It is not typically used metaphorically for abstract concepts.

Example sentences

  1. He climbed the boulder to reach the top of the hill.
  2. The boulder was too heavy for him to lift.
  3. The river flowed around the boulder.
  4. The hikers rested on the boulder before continuing their journey.
  5. The boulder was a popular spot for picnics.

Quotes

  • A rolling stone gathers no moss, but it gains a certain polish.
  • I am a rock. I am an island.
  • The smoothest stone is the one that has been washed by the water the longest.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words