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
Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
These soft, breathable and moisture-wicking compression socks help reduce swelling, and relieve aches and fatigue.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 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
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
These soft, breathable and moisture-wicking compression socks help reduce swelling, and relieve aches and fatigue.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 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
-
Despite advances in breast imaging, breast biopsy remains the only definitive method to determine whether a suspicious lump is cancerous.—
Quing Zhu,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl; discard any lumps.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 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
-
Harden, 36, with his famous, protruding beard and those dark, piercing eyes, was determined to use his star power to get his way, to bring with him a slice of comfort to a new city.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
-
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
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
-
There are two side pockets, a wide-mouth zippered top, and a trolley sleeve to slide it over the handle of your rolling suitcase for an even easier journey to your gate.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The league is expected to announce new teams on a rolling basis, versus all at once.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
1 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 2026.
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