swollen

adjective

Definition of swollennext
as in blown
enlarged beyond normal from internal pressure a swollen ankle from a sprain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 swollen Early on, Poopies gets swollen lip injections that, someone claims, will last the whole movie. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 During the interview, state police noted that Werhan’s right hand appeared swollen and had a cut on it. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 The two-way star, who turns 32 on Sunday, spoke Friday night with a heavy bandage on his swollen left knee to go with his usual ice wrap around his pitching arm. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 July 2026 When fluid pools in tissue instead of draining, the results can include facial puffiness, swollen limbs, bloating and a general heavy or fatigued feeling. — Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 While premium seats offer more room to stretch out, long periods of sitting can still leave your feet and ankles feeling swollen, especially on international flights. — Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 Officials are urging caution around lakes and creeks after a teenage boy drowned Saturday afternoon in flood-swollen waters in northwest Oklahoma City. — Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 28 June 2026 Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not develop symptoms, but those who do may experience a mild form of the illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash, according to the IDOH. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Seventy-Five years ago this month, Kansas City experienced its worst natural disaster when the swollen Kansas (Kaw) River topped the levees protecting industrial districts and communities on both sides of the state line. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swollen
  1. distended
  2. puffed
Adjective
  • Fiber slows gastric emptying, making the stomach more distended.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of distended
Adjective
  • Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer, checking occasionally to make sure water isn’t boiling too rapidly, until matzo balls are very puffed and light in color, 30–40 minutes.
    — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of puffed

Browse Nearby Words

swivets
swollen
swoon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swollen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swollen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swollen

Nglish: Translation of swollen for Spanish Speakers

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