1
as in increased
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
the club membership has really swelled in recent months
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in expanded
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 protruded
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
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Recent Examples of swelled
Many of the companies that are cutting hordes of jobs – and blaming it on AI – had swelled in size during the pandemic years, when tech companies were meeting demand for online services.
—
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Late in the second quarter the lead swelled to 34-18.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
The number of deals exceeding the $10 billion threshold swelled to 60 last year, the highest level since 2021, said McKinsey's Henry.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
And during Fanatics’ growth spurt with exclusive deals with every major sports league in North America, criticism of the company swelled.
—A.j. Perez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
The deficit swelled to 16 as LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Doncic hit at nearly every turn, but the Clippers hung in even after Collins left the game late in the second quarter.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 20 Feb. 2026
The Cowgirls could manage only three free throws in the third period and Allen’s lead swelled to 31-17 going into the fourth quarter.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 2026
As streetcars gave way to private automobiles, the government built interstates and white flight swelled the suburbs, our city infrastructure was refashioned to favor cars.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
By late afternoon, the batch of flowers and hopeful messages outside Guthrie’s home had swelled, and neighbors had attached yellow ribbons to their mailboxes and trees.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Late in the second quarter the lead swelled to 34-18.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
The number of deals exceeding the $10 billion threshold swelled to 60 last year, the highest level since 2021, said McKinsey's Henry.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2026
And during Fanatics’ growth spurt with exclusive deals with every major sports league in North America, criticism of the company swelled.
—A.j. Perez, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
The deficit swelled to 16 as LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Doncic hit at nearly every turn, but the Clippers hung in even after Collins left the game late in the second quarter.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 20 Feb. 2026
The Cowgirls could manage only three free throws in the third period and Allen’s lead swelled to 31-17 going into the fourth quarter.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 17 Feb. 2026
As streetcars gave way to private automobiles, the government built interstates and white flight swelled the suburbs, our city infrastructure was refashioned to favor cars.
—Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
By late afternoon, the batch of flowers and hopeful messages outside Guthrie’s home had swelled, and neighbors had attached yellow ribbons to their mailboxes and trees.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelled
Verb
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In addition, there will be increased Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division operations along the border to detect and apprehend criminals, according to the governor’s office.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
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The number of serious attacks increased from 54 in 2023 to 83 in 2024 and 128 in 2025.—
AREF TUFAHA,
Arkansas Online,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And because everything must be swept up, co-opted and expanded upon by AI, the repeating of the offensive word wasn’t just confined to the BBC’s airing of the award show.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Working with Planning and Economic Development, the council has adjusted and expanded eligibility guidelines.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Big, waxy flowers called lobster claws protruded from thick stalks.—
Betsy Andrews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
However, blood was pouring out of Good’s left ear immediately after the shooting, and tissue protruded from the left side of her head, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported last week.—
Theresa Braine,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Global private credit fundraising rose in 2025 , although the pace of growth slowed from the previous year.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Hendrick’s has been something of an outlier in the gin category since it was founded more than 25 years ago—a Scottish gin that was built around two specific botanicals, rose and cucumber, something that was pretty unusual at the time.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As officers approached, police said the driver accelerated and fled on city streets, leading to a pursuit in which the driver failed to stop at stop signs, drove the wrong way and passed vehicles on the shoulder.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
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The partners sold more than 7 million Ray-Ban and Oakley AI frames in 2025 — a pace that accelerated with new models introduced in the second half.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Just before halftime, Hoffmann poked a loose ball ahead to midcourt, beat a Vernon Hills player to the ball and raced to the basket for a layup to give the Rams a 21-13 lead.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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Later, outside of Guthrie's home, Tucson resident Lupita Tello poked the dirt with a sharp metal rod soldered to a handle.—
Helen Rummel,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cost has now climbed even further, to $1,030, although people can ask for their fees to be waived.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
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Bob Brooks darted home after a morning of campaigning, swapped a button-up for a bright blue Brooks Lawn Care hoodie and climbed into his salt truck.—
Julia Terruso,
Time,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The engineers union has a reputation for wins at the bargaining table, including gaining seniority perks that boosted pay for longtime employees.—
Yue Stella Yu
Feb. 22,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Back for two games after missing a month with a rib injury, Herro has transitioned into a reserve role that has boosted Erik Spoelstra’s bench without compromising the rotation.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swelled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelled. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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