inflammation

noun

Definition of inflammationnext
as in swelling
a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful The drug is used to reduce inflammation. Inflammation around a wound can signal an infection.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inflammation While animal studies often point to ROS as possible roots of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, ROS can be produced in many ways, including through basic metabolic activity. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026 Physical activity may lower risk by influencing hormone levels and reducing inflammation. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 In past research, microplastics have been shown to cause inflammation, oxidative stress and decreased mitochondrial activity. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 The researchers said the effects were not completely explained by weight loss, blood sugar control or inflammation. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflammation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflammation
  1. swelling
  2. pain
Noun
  • Another biopsy confirmed it; the swelling in her neck was where the cancer had spread.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Those who have blood clots typically first develop swelling, pain or redness along the affected area and an ultrasound is used to diagnose it and search for deeper blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of swelling
Noun
  • Those include genital itching, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain and burning during urination.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The battle for political advantage ahead of elections should not obscure a reasonable expectation that governments can intervene to soften the pain of citizens, said Vahyala Kwaga, country head for Nigeria at policy research group BudgIT.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pain

Browse Nearby Words

inflammable
inflammation
inflammations
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Cite this Entry

“Inflammation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflammation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inflammation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflammation

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