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
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
By March 2023, Mollie was experiencing chronic ankle pain and swelling, despite an X-ray showing no signs of broken bones or fractures.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
After discovering the bone bruise, the Rockets understood why Durant had further swelling and stiffness in the ankle compared to a regular sprain, per ESPN.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Noun
Durant was slow to get off the court, and swelling occurred in the following days, forcing him to miss Game 3.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
By March 2023, Mollie was experiencing chronic ankle pain and swelling, despite an X-ray showing no signs of broken bones or fractures.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 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
For much of American history, conservatives were the nation’s fiercest skeptics of executive power, warning that a swelling presidency could threaten liberty by displacing the authority of Congress and the courts.
—Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
After discovering the bone bruise, the Rockets understood why Durant had further swelling and stiffness in the ankle compared to a regular sprain, per ESPN.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
Feeling for a lump is nearly impossible, since the pancreas is buried deep in the abdomen.—
Aria Bendix,
NBC news,
2 May 2026
-
Located in the Mississippi Delta, this recipe pays homage to the rich culture in the region, using lump crabmeat and red pepper to add spice.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
These organizations, striving to fill the information gap created by the state government’s increasing drift toward secrecy — can’t rely on taxpayers to pay their bills.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
These changes were to be achieved by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreasing the consumption of meat and eggs, and substituting nonfat milk for whole milk.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The growing fleet is accelerating development by generating large-scale data for Helix, the company’s humanoid AI model, while enabling real-world deployment across research, commercial, and domestic use cases, according to a blog by Figure.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Polls show Americans are angry — and rightly so — at accelerating medical bills.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Hemorrhoids are common and treatable, but bleeding, severe pain, lingering symptoms, or protruding hemorrhoids should be checked by a doctor.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The injury woes last year included a groin strain followed by an ankle bone bruise.—
Chantz Martin OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
Neither the suspect’s nor the victim’s names have been released, though police shared images of what appeared to be bruises on the victim’s face.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
While frolicking among the rolling hills of Florence, Italy, Gwyneth Paltrow found a way to stay comfortable while still looking put-together.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
-
Best rolling backpack This rolling backpack is ideal for children and adults up to 6 foot 3 inches tall.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Firefighters witnessed a rare ‘ash devil’ while battling the Trinity fire in San Bernardino County — a whirling column of hot ash and embers created when rising heat meets shifting winds.—
Blanca Begert,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Those on the left see rising costs as an opportunity to advance their big government agenda.—
Star Parker,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The Southern Anoka County Assistance food shelf (SACA) is expanding to meet a growing need in Columbia Heights.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The store initially sold ice cream before expanding to chocolates in 1965.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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