Synonyms of turgid

turgid

adjective

ˈtər-jəd 

as in swollen

enlarged beyond normal from internal pressure

turgid leeches having had their fill of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• swollen
• distended
• blown
• bloated
• tumescent
• varicose
• puffed
• overinflated
• tumid
• bulging
• expanded
• dilated
• protuberant
• blown up
• ballooned
• ballooning
• ventricose
• dilating
• turgescent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• collapsed
• deflated
• detumescent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of turgid

Despite reaching the final for a second time, the 2024 team served up turgid fare in most of its matches, so much so that frustrated fans threw plastic beer cups at Southgate following a goalless tie against the minnows of Slovenia. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026

The document has been commented on more widely than previous popes’ encyclicals, which traditionally have been heavy on turgid liturgical language. — Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 26 May 2026

This new singer recited turgid poetry over his new bandmates’ compositions, which erred towards brittle reggae and boogie. — Brad Shoup, Pitchfork, 24 Jan. 2026

Avery, the heroine of Anika Jade Levy’s debut novel, Flat Earth (Catapult, $26), spends many turgid nights with a pedant. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025