as in swelling
to make or become larger especially because of pressure from inside
The illness can cause the stomach to distend.
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for distending
Verb
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But the longstanding regime’s grasp on power now appears more tenuous than ever as the swelling opposition movement demands substantive change.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026 -
In addition to foamy urine, more significant proteinuria can manifest as swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, and belly.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Last summer, her Hulu documentary Call Her Alex premiered, and she's also spent the year expanding her Unwell Hydration beverage line with new caffeinated beverages.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Backed by nearly $180 billion in venture capital and rapid growth in AI, fintech, and health tech, the sector is expanding New York’s tax base, attracting top talent, and fueling long-term economic growth.—
Julie Samuels,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Despite his efforts, violence has continued to escalate with police increasing patrols and surveillance in Puerto Lopez following recent massacres in the province, the Associated Press said.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Progress in robotics, according to PNDbotics, depends less on increasing complexity and more on tighter integration between hardware and intelligence.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Distending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distending. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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