Synonyms for

Swollen

Verb / ˈswəʊlʌn / Another word for swollen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

enlarged or puffy, usually due to injury or illness

Synonyms & similar words

tumesce swellup egotistic well swollenheaded puffup swell tumefy egotistical selfconceited conceited intumesce wellup vain inflamed puffy bloated enlarged distended turgid bulging engorged expanded inflated puffed swelled tumid blown-up bombastic excessive overblown pretentious bloated tumescent

Synonyms by register

Formal

inflamed edematous distended enlarged

Informal

puffy bloated fat big

Literary

tumid turgid protuberant

Antonyms

shrunken contracted deflated reduced diminished flat

Common collocations

  • swollen ankle
  • swollen glands
  • swollen eyes
  • swollen abdomen
  • swollen limb
  • swollen face
  • swollen joints

Word family

noun swelling
verb swell
adjective swollen
adverb swollenly

Usage note

Often used to describe a part of the body that has increased in size due to fluid accumulation or inflammation. Can also be used figuratively to describe something that has increased in size or volume.

Example sentences

  1. The mosquito bite made my arm swollen.
  2. Her eyes were swollen from crying all night.
  3. The swollen river flooded the nearby streets.
  4. The injury caused his knee to become swollen and sore.
  5. His face was swollen from the bee sting.

Quotes

  • The swollen clouds signaled an approaching storm.
  • The swollen river carried debris downstream.
  • His ego was swollen after receiving the award.

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