The hailstones were as big as tennis balls.
Source: tatoeba (1723453)
Hailstones
Synonyms for "hailstones" (4 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (1)
Noun(1 words)
frozen pellet
Strong matches (1)
Noun(1 words)
Related words (2)
Noun(2 words)
ice ballice pellet
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: frozen pellet, hail, ice ball, ice pellet.
- Sentence evidence is available for hailstones, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from opengloss, derived_reverse.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "hailstones".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "hailstones"
Keep "hailstones" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "hailstones" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "hailstones", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "hailstones" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
2 entriesprecipitationweather phenomenon
More specific
2 entrieslarge hailstonessmall hailstones
Collocations
6 entriesfrozen hailstoneshailstone formationhailstone sizelarge hailstonesround hailstonessmall hailstones
Sample sentences
4 total sentences available.
Hailstones the size of golf balls wreaked havoc on the city overnight.
Source: tatoeba (3663704)
When the vast Central plains of the United States darken with thunderhead clouds, and rain and hailstones begin to pelt the ground, everyone and everything takes cover, except the pilots of the armor-plated T-28 Storm Penetrator airplane.
Source: tatoeba (10792491)
Hailstones are formed when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere and freeze. Hailstones then grow by colliding with liquid water drops that freeze onto the hailstone’s surface. If the water freezes instantaneously when colliding with the hailstone, cloudy ice will form as air bubbles will be trapped in the newly formed ice. However, if the water freezes slowly, the air bubbles can escape and the new ice will be clear. The hail falls when the thunderstorm’s updraft can no longer support the weight of the hailstone, which can occur if the stone becomes large enough or the updraft weakens.
Source: tatoeba (12197200)
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "hailstones"?
Closest matches include frozen pellet, hail, ice ball, ice pellet.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "hailstones"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.
More for "hailstones"
Editorial Guides For "hailstones"
Professional Email Tone: Sound Clear, Polite, and Decisive
Practical phrase swaps to improve clarity and reduce friction in workplace emails.
De-escalation Language for Difficult Conversations
Use wording that lowers tension while preserving boundaries and forward progress.
Brand Voice Consistency: Keep Tone Unified Across Pages
Practical framework to keep product, marketing, and support copy aligned.