swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
swelled
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past participleof swell.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof swell.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
swellverb (used without object)to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
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.
Imports swelled 28.2 percent, which was faster than July's 27.5 percent but less than the 31.0 percent estimated in the Bloomberg survey.
From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026
My heart swelled with pride at the young C.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
This destructive path continues westwards along with the swelled river, before heading southwards.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2026
Those district court battles have grown increasingly heated as caseloads have swelled.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 31, 2026
I talked until my tongue bled, my jaw gave out, and my throat swelled up in protest.
From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris
