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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That enhanced fiber swelling under microwaving exposes a greater number of accessible binding sites for pigment on keratin.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026 -
While the Hamptons enjoy a swelling population of seasonal residents, many of whom live in palatial mansions, the Container Studio was built for an artist looking for a compact creative space close to her Hamptons home.—
Caitlin Gunther,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Layne’s group has pushed county leaders to fund a continuous drug addiction treatment program, expanding access for those who need it both during and after incarceration.—
Gavin J. Quinton,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Episode 2 continues that methodology, pairing globally influential artists with scientific inquiry, while expanding the scope of both the artistry and the research.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
18 June 2026
Verb
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In the study, which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected between 2021 and 2024, researchers say that despite numerous state-level bans on kratom across the nation, its use is at an all-time high and is increasing.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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These whales face increasing threats from climate change and human activity.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
19 June 2026
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“Distending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distending. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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