Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

swelling

[swel-ing] / ˈswɛl ɪŋ /
NOUN
physical growth; lump
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abscess blister bruise bump contusion inflammation injury nodule sore tumor welt
STRONG
boil bulge bunion carbuncle corn dilation distention enlargement hump increase knob node pimple pock protuberance puff puffiness pustule ridge tumescence wale wart weal
WEAK
knurl
Antonyms
STRONG
decrease depression

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the same time the medicines came with a risk of brain swelling and bleeding.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

This leads to sudden and intense episodes of pain, swelling, and inflammation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

The company has raised nearly $1.4 billion since 2000, among the largest sum of any fusion venture, but its capital needs were swelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

In detention, Flores said, she began to suffer a painful swelling, which she believed could have been mastitis brought on by her inability to nurse her baby.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

She’s wearing compression socks to help with the recent swelling in her knee, and they are soaked, too, and so is her shirt and shorts and pack and even her shoes.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Vocabulary lists containing swelling

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!