swell
verb (used without object)
to grow in bulk, as by the absorption of moisture or the processes of growth.
have swollen
-
present perfectof swell.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
These obligations have swollen beyond petty annoyance into their own distinct sphere of activity, neither work nor not-work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 14, 2025
"After several days of continuous rainfall, our rivers have swollen, impacting several camps and areas in the Maasai Mara National Reserve," the local Narok county government said in a statement.
From BBC ● May 1, 2024
Poverty wages have swollen the ranks of the American working poor, most of whom are 35 or older.
From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2023
The children in Hays Hospital have swollen bellies and twig-like limbs.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 18, 2022
Is it possible that the accounts connected with the installation of a few abstemious lovers of wisdom can have swollen to such a prodigous bulk?
From The Twilight of the Gods, and Other Tales by Garnett, Richard
