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
Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025
Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal swelling may also occur, according to WHO.
—Jason Lalljee, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
In microgravity, the brain moves to the top of the skull and compresses an area responsible for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a swelling of brain cavities and potentially to an increase in intracranial pressure.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
There wasn’t that much pain, and the swelling was minor.
—Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Noun
While most people's symptoms improve, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will be hospitalized, 1 out of every 1,000 will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 will die.
—Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025
Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal swelling may also occur, according to WHO.
—Jason Lalljee, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
In microgravity, the brain moves to the top of the skull and compresses an area responsible for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a swelling of brain cavities and potentially to an increase in intracranial pressure.
—Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
There wasn’t that much pain, and the swelling was minor.
—Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swelling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swelling
Noun
-
Stay for dinner with weekly specials including lobster ravioli and squid ink fettuccine with lump crab meat.—
Samantha Nelson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The extensive menu is accented by all kinds of coastal favorites—from the popular she-crab soup and Charleston-style lump crab cakes to jambalaya and lobster bisque.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
An increasing number of large and mid-size firms are reporting on their sustainability initiatives.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
As president, Biden helped the country past the COVID pandemic, increasing the availability of testing and vaccines.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
That means that any sudden car movements – stopping, accelerating, or turning – could cause the tires to skid on top of the snow.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Major institutions are accelerating this transformation.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 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
-
Everything is fine and Gene is on his way home now with a few bumps and bruises.—
Elizabeth Stanton,
Fox News,
2 Mar. 2025
-
There may be an accumulation of blood and other fluids in the bone, which is called a bone bruise.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The gently rolling slopes of Elk Camp Meadows are perfect for beginners, with magic carpets for the little ones still figuring out their ski legs.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Thanks to its close proximity to the national park, guests can experience the wild setting beyond traditional hiking trails, like horseback riding atop the region’s rolling hills.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Operators will have to pay $900 per ton of emissions, rising to $1,500 per ton in a few years.—
Christopher Helman,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Many are expanding across markets.—
Alex Lazarow,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Last month, the Biden administration proposed further expanding access to the drugs for enrollees in Medicare and Medicaid.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
24 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to swelling
Cite this Entry
“Swelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swelling. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share