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
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
as in surging
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swelling
Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
Studies show postmenopausal women, particularly those with early menopause, may be at higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
—Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
When left alone, these locally aggressive tumors can grow massive, causing pain, swelling and even organ dysfunction.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Meningitis is a swelling of the protective membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Verb
Its most notable symptom is the swelling and redness or discoloration of the skin around the eye, including the upper and lower eyelids.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
Studies show postmenopausal women, particularly those with early menopause, may be at higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
—Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
When left alone, these locally aggressive tumors can grow massive, causing pain, swelling and even organ dysfunction.
—Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Meningitis is a swelling of the protective membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord.
—Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
In a flat city where all private and public property is organized into rectangles and triangles aligned with the principal points of the compass, Lincoln Yards is defined by a series of wedges, lumps and lobes that don’t adjoin with the rest of the Chicago street map.—
F.K. Plous,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
Everyday Comfort smoothing panty for a completely smooth silhouette without any bumps or lumps.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
The team, however, is not increasing season-ticket prices in the upper level, per the spokesperson.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Those in his position often pride themselves on insulation, increasing efficiency or an Ivy League education, a few foundations around which the Houston Astros have constructed their golden era.—
Chandler Rome,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
With re-accelerating inflation on the horizon, another 5%+ inflation over the next four years could easily see gold at $5,000 an ounce.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
These changes disrupt the body's delicate anabolic-catabolic balance, with testosterone promoting tissue growth and libido and cortisol accelerating breakdown and stress responses.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
While tending to their garden this fall, homeowners in upstate New York spotted what appeared to be two giant teeth protruding from the soil, partially concealed by plant fronds.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
-
According to the news release, the mastodon jaw was found protruding from the topsoil, which caught the homeowner's attention.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA TODAY,
18 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Marte is already on the IL with a bone bruise in his right knee, the same one that required an injection in spring training.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
This is the despair of wrestlers: unredeemed perspiration, useless bruises.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
With 2025 fast approaching, the start of a new year offers nonprofit professionals an opportune time to critically assess ongoing and rising trends impacting their communities and constituents.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Operators will have to pay $900 per ton of emissions, rising to $1,500 per ton in a few years.—
Christopher Helman,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Jackson is also considering expanding her part-time interior decorating business.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Wood was recognized for her leadership in creating and expanding the district’s TRACprogram—Teamwork, Regulation, Acceptance, and Community.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Roots Growing Out Drainage Holes Roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot is a sure sign your plant needs a bigger pot.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share