Water retention is a common condition where excess fluids accumulate in tissues and body cavities, leading to bloating, swelling and discomfort. There are various synonyms for the term "water retention" that can be used to describe the same condition, such as edema, fluid retention, hydropsy, dropsy, or swelling. Edema specifically refers to the accumulation of fluids in the body's tissue, while fluid retention is a broader term that can describe fluid buildup in different areas of the body. Hydropsy and dropsy are older medical terms for fluid accumulation, while swelling is a generic term that can also describe inflammation or enlargement of body tissues. Regardless of the term used, water retention can have various causes and effective treatment options, depending on the underlying condition.