as in lump
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue
the swelling at the site of the insect bite was not too concerning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in surging
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in increasing
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the club membership has really swelled in recent months
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accelerating
to make greater in size, amount, or number
more layoffs will swell the ranks of the unemployed to unprecedented levels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in protruding
to extend outward beyond a usual point
at that point the Congo River swells and forms Malebo Pool
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of swelling
Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Allergy season brings airborne irritants, which include tree, grass, and ragweed pollen that trigger immune responses, which cause increased swelling.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Temporary morning puffiness, swelling after a salty meal or a rounder face with no other symptoms are probably not cause for concern.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Noun
If the swelling in your lungs exacerbates, however, a dangerous condition called high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur.
—Brad Stulberg, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Allergy season brings airborne irritants, which include tree, grass, and ragweed pollen that trigger immune responses, which cause increased swelling.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Another effective anti-swelling remedy is a delicious snack that may be hiding in the fridge.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Common symptoms include swelling in the lower legs or ankles, aching or cramping, varicose veins, pain, and changes to the skin.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Temporary morning puffiness, swelling after a salty meal or a rounder face with no other symptoms are probably not cause for concern.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
The ticket, which has a one-time lump-sum amount of $118 million, has still not been claimed as of today.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Add American cheese, remaining 1 cup cheddar, and reserved soaking water; stir vigorously until most of the cheese is melted (some small lumps of cheese will remain and that is OK) and water is absorbed.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The film is set in a mountain village where an elderly woman named Hettie (Hettie Farmer) lives alone on a small farm, tending her flock of goats with increasing difficulty.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
New York City Councilwoman Farah Louis is under increasing scrutiny amid a federal public corruption investigation involving the state’s homeless shelters for migrants.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Similarly to fossil fuel supply disruptions of the past, the Iran conflict is already accelerating interest in renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy independence.—
Brian Lee,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These dynamics are accelerating structural change across the sector.—
Assef Shaikh,
Footwear News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the bathroom, a chemical meant to make trace blood more visible reacted in the sink and the bathtub, while a visible bloodstain was found under the protruding edge of a vanity, Hooks said.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
In the video, large swaths of brown earth can be seen protruding patches of mountain snow.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The bearded blueliner has skated through the bumps and bruises that come with delivering checks and deflecting slap shots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Rescuers evacuated her with injuries including bruises and lacerations, but her dog Molly was left behind near the Arahura River.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While this game was closer than January 19 when UConn won by 38 points in the most-lopsided game in the 57-game series (UConn leads 41-16), the Irish couldn't overcome the rolling Huskies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The crops good enough to incorporate into its Churchills, primeros, and other formats are aged for as long as a presidential term before the rolling process even begins.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On his goal, Thomas swooped into the middle lane to dust McTavish and receive a slick feed from Broberg that sent him toward a vulnerable Dostál with speed for a rising shot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Will the retirement age keep rising?—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Major insulin makers Eli Lilly, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk also have moved to cut the cost of insulin, with different combinations of cutting list prices, capping out-of-pocket costs and expanding affordability.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The golden arches is expanding its McValue offerings with an under $3 menu and a $4 breakfast meal deal starting on April 21.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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