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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of swelling
Marley Dewey, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of peptides could support acne treatment by calming down swelling and evening out skin texture.17
4.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
For the first time in years, the swelling and pain disappeared.
—Suzy Katz, Health, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Noun
Your body normally responds to a wound with inflammation, which is an immune reaction that clears harmful stimuli and pathogens, often resulting in swelling and pain around the injury site.
—Marley Dewey, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of peptides could support acne treatment by calming down swelling and evening out skin texture.17
4.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025
Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.
—Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
For the first time in years, the swelling and pain disappeared.
—Suzy Katz, Health, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
What’s more, the double-stitched seams and baffle box design keep lumps at bay.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
-
That was a big moment, that was a big lump of publicity.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 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
-
Doctors at the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital said the girl had signs of abuse — including she was covered in bruises, had two black eyes, scratches and abdominal trauma.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
-
The jury saw photos of the bruise and bandages on her back and neck.—
Nicki Brown,
CNN Money,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
Published by the Hong Kong Tourist Association, a c. 1980 poster shows an old woman tending a pair of cows amid lush greenery, with rolling hills in the background.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
6 June 2025
-
Middleburg's rolling green hills, charming shops, and country inns have all the old world charm of a Jane Austen novel.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
With prices still rising after the Covid-19 pandemic caused inflation to spike, shoppers at high and low income level are flocking to stores providing the best prices on commodities.—
Peter Cohan,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
-
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share