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
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Recent Examples of swelling
Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 8 June 2026
Fortunately, Maria had taken an earlier photo showing the bite before the swelling intensified, giving the doctor an important piece of context.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Another effective anti-swelling remedy is a delicious snack that may be hiding in the fridge.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 9 June 2026
Last year, the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign condition that causes swelling in his lower legs and one that the White House doctor noted is common in people over 70.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Noun
Screening can begin in primary care with shoes-off exams, when damage from diabetes could be visible; ankle measurements to ascertain swelling, or ultrasounds if warranted.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 8 June 2026
Fortunately, Maria had taken an earlier photo showing the bite before the swelling intensified, giving the doctor an important piece of context.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Adjective
The hope was this would mean less swelling, less pain and, potentially, a significantly faster recovery.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Another effective anti-swelling remedy is a delicious snack that may be hiding in the fridge.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Laminate isn’t porous, but moisture can still seep into seams and edges, causing peeling or swelling over time, according to Stein.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 9 June 2026
Last year, the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign condition that causes swelling in his lower legs and one that the White House doctor noted is common in people over 70.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
Companies are increasingly offering lump-sum payments or hiring locally to reduce costs, relocation executives said.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
-
Shelby Bennoit was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in her breast.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Each spring the skies over central Nebraska fill with a special sound—a rolling, trumpeting, almost prehistoric chorus—as a slew of sandhill cranes descend on the wide and shallow reaches of the Platte River.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Allegheny National Forest, just around 90 minutes from Erie, Pennsylvania, enchants with rolling peaks that reflect off calm, paddle-friendly waterways.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Eight years later, Loomis voters approved Measure C with more than 71% support, extending the existing tax without increasing the rate.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
-
Starting July 1, according to an SEC filing Thursday, his target annual bonus is rising to $9 million, and his target annual equity award increasing to $20 million.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
This week, industry executives told me that generative AI adoption is accelerating as producers seek to meet rising content demand in the country’s $32 billion media and entertainment sector while navigating tighter budgets.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
11 June 2026
-
She and her non-English-speaking immigrant parents were impressed by a staff intent on accelerating learning and a safe, welcoming campus.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Elsewhere on the trophy, there are the original rules to soccer, from 1863, which include a proscription on players having nails, iron plates, or gutta-percha—a Malaysian rubberlike material, now used in root canals—protruding from their boots.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
The cups also feature a more angular design, visibly protruding rather than gradually curving.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The physical exam, the fourth one of his second term came amid public scrutiny around visible bruises, skin discoloration and swollen ankles.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
-
No one expects anyone to come out here and not have bumps and bruises or injuries or all these things.—
Brian Mahoney,
Twin Cities,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
This year’s rodeo, held on August 7 and 8, is moving to the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee to accommodate rising attendance.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Early arrivals bring rising excitement While airports have not yet seen the largest crowds expected for the tournament, excitement is already building among fans who have arrived early.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers, libraries, and community organizations each play an important role in expanding access to these capabilities.—
Michael Edmondson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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