Thesaurus results for BRUISE

bruise 1 of 2

noun

ˈbrüz

Definition of bruise

as in scratch

a bodily injury in which small blood vessels are broken but the overlying skin is not she got quite a big bruise from walking into the corner of the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in scrape

an area of skin roughened or worn away by harsh rubbing against another surface bruises caused by ill-fitting hiking boots

Synonyms & Similar Words

bruise

2 of 2

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 bruise

Noun

Along with the gunshot wounds, Kowalewicz also had bruises to her neck. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 But when adolescent Elia Gheorghiu shows up at school with bruises, the community questions the traditional education the Gheorghiu yougsters are getting from their parents. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

Take two mint crowns, lightly bruise them with your fingers, and stick them against the inside close to the straw. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026 The operatives take the drives and release Jane, who is bruised and bloodied. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bruise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruise

Noun

Not only was there the initial flare-up, but now there were huge red scratches and hives.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Check the listed starting pitchers first; a late scratch can void or reprice some bets.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of scratch

Noun

The Missouri researcher has captured and analyzed hundreds of thousands of trail-camera images over the years, with many of the best shots coming at scrapes doctored with a variety of scents and lures.

— Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Memory is not so much a flow, sometimes, as a series of bumps and scrapes.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of scrape

Verb

Another six people were wounded, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week (in an interview with Pizzagate conspiracist Jack Posobiec) that the Pentagon would air the execution of the man convicted of the attack that killed 13 and wounded 30 more.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of wound

Noun

Redick said rookie Cameron Carr (undisclosed), guard Collin Sexton (lower leg) and forwards Ziaire Williams (right foot contusion) and Adou Thiero (undisclosed) are still day to day with their injuries.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The Hawks ruled out veteran guard CJ McCollum with a nose contusion ahead of Monday night’s game, opening the door for the rookie guard to run with the remaining available starters.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of contusion

Noun

Most had abrasions and small cuts, and all but the driver have since been treated and released, authorities said Monday during a press briefing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Machado and her daughters had abrasions on their necks, which Lew said is consistent with asphyxiation.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of abrasion

Noun

Given the larger footprint and tech overhaul, expect a slight bump over the outgoing model's starting prices, which start at US$29,700, while the Tucson Hybrid begins at $31,300, before destination charges and depending on the pricing basis.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
The Dodgers will turn to generational ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2, though LA rarely puts on an offensive showcase when Yoshi is on the bump.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of bump

Verb

Afterward, Lindsay slit her wrists and neck, then jumped out of a second-story window.

— Selena Barrientos, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Instead Justine shows up to slit his throat and take the baby from him, leaving him for dead; the child winds up disappearing with Holtz into a hell dimension.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of slit

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bruise

bruised

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of bruise

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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