swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
have been swelling
-
present perfect progressiveof swell.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Individual airlines maintain their own no-fly lists, which have been swelling; Delta’s is approaching 2,000 passengers.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 8, 2022
The leagues have been swelling in popularity, their advertisements blanketing football game broadcasts.
From New York Times ● Oct. 5, 2015
Though Asians still number only around 3.6 million, or 1.6% of the total U.S. population, their ranks have been swelling at an unprecedented rate since the reform of immigration laws in 1965.
From Time Magazine Archive
With the economy in the doldrums and companies slashing payrolls, the ranks of the discouraged have been swelling rapidly as many workers abandon their search for jobs as hopeless.
From Time Magazine Archive
My capital is gone, and my debts in the shape of interest have been swelling like the Pegnitz in the spring of the year.
From The Goose Man by Porterfield, Allen Wilson
