bloating
4 synonyms for bloating, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An uncomfortable feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen, usually caused by trapped gas or fluid.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
distension
puffiness
How to use bloating
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
abdominal bloating
bloating and gas
relieve bloating
cause bloating
Everyday word, also used in clinical writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bloating and weight gain?
Bloating is short-lived swelling from gas or fluid, so the abdomen feels tight and looks larger but the change comes and goes within hours or days. Weight gain is a lasting increase in body mass from fat, muscle or fluid, and does not deflate overnight. If a swollen abdomen does not settle, it is worth getting medical advice.
What commonly causes bloating?
Common causes include swallowing air while eating quickly, fizzy drinks, high-fibre or fermentable foods such as beans and onions, constipation, food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, and hormonal changes around menstruation. Ongoing or severe bloating should be assessed by a health professional rather than self-diagnosed.
