swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
had swelled
-
past perfectof swell.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The regime shut down the internet on Jan. 8, the night Sam disappeared, and moved to crush the protests that had swelled in cities nationwide.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 1, 2026
The ban was lifted on Monday - but by then the protests had swelled into a mass movement.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2025
Two years later, when the district voted to send families to collections, the balance had swelled to nearly $80,000.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2025
The waiting list had swelled, leaving many young patients waiting years for an appointment.
From New York Times ● May 13, 2024
The next morning, I didn’t go to practice because my ankle had swelled to the size of a softball.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
