swollen
Bigger than normal
Swollen describes something that has expanded beyond its normal size, typically from fluid accumulation, pressure, or inflammation.
A sprained ankle swells; so do rivers after heavy rain.
Her eyes were swollen from crying.
Figuratively, swollen can suggest excess or inflation: swollen with pride, swollen ranks of protesters.
The word is the past participle of swell, though swelled also serves that function.
Swollen with air
- puffinessMild tissue swelling
- bloatedSwelled from excess
- distendedSwollen from pressure within
- fluidSubstance that flows
retention · water · lymphedema · dropsy · ankles · feet · hands · face
Swollen or pompous
- tumescentGrowing distended
- congestedBlocked by overcrowding
- gorgedAte to excess
- dilatedMade wider or larger
varicose · veins · erectile · vascular · throbbing · bulging · distended · plumped
Front midsection
- abdomenTorso's lower cavity
- bumpSlight collision or protrusion
- gestatingCarrying developing offspring
- expectingAwaiting a predicted outcome
maternal · rounded · protruding · gravid · full · heavy · ripening · distended
Protective tissue response
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- sorenessTender, painful sensation
- irritationMild anger or inflammation
throbbing · infection · arthritis · cellulitis · abscess · dermatitis · bursitis · tendinitis
Abnormal tissue mass
- cystFluid-filled tissue sac
- noduleRounded small lump
- goiterEnlarged thyroid gland
- polypFleshy membrane projection
fibroid · adenoma · lipoma · mass · lesion · lump · protuberance · enlargement
Injured beneath skin
- sprainedLigament torn by twisting
- twistedWound around itself
- contusionTissue damage beneath skin
- bumpSlight collision or protrusion
lump · knot · hematoma · welt · trauma · impact · icing · elevation
Satisfaction from one's achievements
- egoOne's self-image
- headUppermost body part
- arroganceExcessive self-importance
- conceitedExcessively proud of oneself
puffed-up · self-important · inflated · vain · pompous · haughty · overconfident · smug
Covered with water
- overflowingExceeding capacity, spilling out
- risingAct of ascending
- banksFinancial institutions or riversides
- torrentialFlowing in violent streams
rushing · surging · cresting · deluge · floodwaters · raging · bursting · spate
Raised itchy skin reaction
- weltsRaised skin from impact
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- reactionResponse to stimulus
- histamineAllergy-response compound
anaphylaxis · angioedema · itchy · blotchy · antihistamine · sensitivity · intolerance · throat
puffy
Swollen with air
fluid · retention · water · lymphedema · dropsy · ankles · feet · hands · face · tissues
turgid
Swollen or pompous
dilated · varicose · veins · erectile · vascular · throbbing · bulging · distended · plumped · brimming
belly
Front midsection
expecting · maternal · rounded · protruding · gravid · full · heavy · ripening · distended · stretched
inflammation
Protective tissue response
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- sorenessTender, painful sensation
irritation · throbbing · infection · arthritis · cellulitis · abscess · dermatitis · bursitis · tendinitis · heat
tumor
Abnormal tissue mass
polyp · fibroid · adenoma · lipoma · mass · lesion · lump · protuberance · enlargement · hypertrophy
bruised
Injured beneath skin
bump · lump · knot · hematoma · welt · trauma · impact · icing · elevation · tender
pride
Satisfaction from one's achievements
conceited · puffed-up · self-important · inflated · vain · pompous · haughty · overconfident · smug
flooded
Covered with water
- overflowingExceeding capacity, spilling out
- risingAct of ascending
- banksFinancial institutions or riversides
torrential · rushing · surging · cresting · deluge · floodwaters · raging · bursting · spate · high-water
hives
Raised itchy skin reaction
histamine · anaphylaxis · angioedema · itchy · blotchy · antihistamine · sensitivity · intolerance · throat · lips
swollenshrunken
Reduced from original dimensions
shriveled · contracted · shrunk · deflated · reduced
swollendeflated
Emptied of pressure
flat · collapsed · empty · uninflated · depressurized
swollenhumble
Unassuming about oneself
modest · deflated · meek · self-effacing · unassuming
- swollen glandsInflamed immune tissue masses
- swollen feetFluid-filled lower limbs
- swollen eyesInflamed, enlarged eye area
- swollen lymph nodes
- swollen anklesFluid accumulation near feet
- swollen head