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.
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Recent Examples of swelling
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
May Reduce Joint Pain Thanks to the fruit’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, consuming pomegranate seeds may help reduce swelling or joint pain.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The track is filled with operatic vocals, a thundering choir, and a rich, swelling orchestra backing her — plus, there are cameos from Björk and Yves Tumor as well.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Verb
The eighth grader suffered a traumatic brain injury and had surgeries to remove bullet fragments and alleviate brain swelling.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
May Reduce Joint Pain Thanks to the fruit’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, consuming pomegranate seeds may help reduce swelling or joint pain.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
That can lead to swelling in the legs.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The track is filled with operatic vocals, a thundering choir, and a rich, swelling orchestra backing her — plus, there are cameos from Björk and Yves Tumor as well.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.—
Tanya Wildt,
Freep.com,
28 Oct. 2025
-
That’s why any new lump or change in the chest deserves medical attention.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The organization’s Green Heart Project, which studies the impact of better air quality on heart disease through urban greening, has found that increasing the number of trees and shrubs in an area can create lower levels of a blood marker associated with inflammation.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Coffee prices have been increasing sharply since the start of this year.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Meta and others are engaged in an accelerating AI arms race that has some economists and investors fretting about a possible bubble and seeking reassurance that revenue growth can sustain the massive spending required.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The findings could make solar tower technology more efficient and commercially viable, accelerating the shift toward cleaner energy.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The early word was that the protruding pair was a customized version of Adidas Adistar Cushion 3 sneakers made specifically for Williams.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The protruding bracket behind the air guide appears to be a cable guide, and the box behind the cable guide is a three-drive cage.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Eileen Weir suffered multiple abrasions and bruises.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The affidavit said that the victim suffered minor injuries, including a bruise on her left eye and scratches on the right side of her neck.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
However, Starbucks has struggled in recent years, along with other Western companies that have lost ground to local rivals amid rising nationalism and reluctance to pay premiums for foreign brands.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Flocks of snow buntings skitter across the sand, rising in confetti clouds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In 2025, Ohtani is likely to earn another MVP award, adding to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Environmental advocates question the need for expanding fossil fuel resources a time when greenhouse gases from those fuels are worsening climate change.—
Sarah Henry,
AZCentral.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
This isn’t Lovato’s first time poking fun at the meme.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Or use your finger, poking it about 2 inches into the soil.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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