well up

VERB

swell

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accumulate add to balloon bloat bulge enlarge expand fatten grow increase mount rise surge

STRONG

aggravate amplify augment belly billow blister dilate distend enhance extend heighten intensity plump pouch pout protrude puff tumefy uprise

WEAK

be inflated become bloated become distended become swollen fill out grow larger puff up round out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abridge decline decrease diminish drop fall lessen lose lower reduce shrink slump

STRONG

compress condense contract curtail shorten

WEAK

concentrate

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.

Seoul led the equity market gains thanks to a resumption of the tech rally that had pushed the Kospi to multiple records before the war, while Tokyo and Taipei were also well up.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

I could feel my eyes start to well up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

When Richard told him about his fears, “I saw tears well up in his eyes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Self-will is a powerful motivator, and it may have served you well up until now.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

My eyes began to well up and my throat suddenly felt scorched, as if I had swallowed fire.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds

well up

Example Sentences

Related Words