as in blown
enlarged beyond normal from internal pressure
a swollen ankle from a sprain
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Recent Examples of swollen
Signs of disease include warts on legs, crusty or swollen eyes, feebleness, a ruffled appearance, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and diarrhea.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
As part of his reward for donating his roe-swollen bigmouth to the stocking program, he’ll be given a replica mount of the huge fish.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Not accidentally with a swollen or exploding battery, but intentionally with a miniature cigarette lighter built into the top.
—Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
The doctor noticed the lymph nodes in Operacz's groin were swollen and sent her to the emergency room.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Fluid accumulated in his body, pushing his weight close to 240 pounds and leaving him exhausted and swollen.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
Momo’s body is a mess — everything dangling or swollen or leaking.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Long, deep incisions are made on either side of the injury, allowing the swollen muscles some room to move and relieving the buildup of pressure.
—Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Rice said Carmichael’s ankle was swollen and would require further evaluation.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
As part of his reward for donating his roe-swollen bigmouth to the stocking program, he’ll be given a replica mount of the huge fish.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
Not accidentally with a swollen or exploding battery, but intentionally with a miniature cigarette lighter built into the top.
—Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
The doctor noticed the lymph nodes in Operacz's groin were swollen and sent her to the emergency room.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
Fluid accumulated in his body, pushing his weight close to 240 pounds and leaving him exhausted and swollen.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
Momo’s body is a mess — everything dangling or swollen or leaking.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Long, deep incisions are made on either side of the injury, allowing the swollen muscles some room to move and relieving the buildup of pressure.
—Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Rice said Carmichael’s ankle was swollen and would require further evaluation.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swollen
Adjective
-
The distended episodes were littered with what feels like filler, little of which offered much in the way of narrative value.—
Emma Flint,
IndieWire,
25 Nov. 2025
-
Once per act, a second duo crashes in on Didi and Gogo, providing the tramps’ power balance with a lurid, distended foil.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Bake, 1 baking sheet at a time, in preheated oven until slightly puffed and golden brown, about 12 minutes.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Bake until puffed and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swollen. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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