Definition of bruisenext
1
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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2
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

verb

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
According to court records, police found Dunn deceased in a motel room with bruises on her body, including her neck and face, and her eyelids were swollen and discolored. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Outfielder Victor Bericoto also is on the IL because of a bone bruise in his right knee. CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
The operatives take the drives and release Jane, who is bruised and bloodied. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 Much of his speech and remarks from other officials speaking at the convention Friday focused on party unity after a bruising primary season, where Democrats are hoping to capitalize on what could be a vulnerable year for Republicans. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bruise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruise
Noun
  • Jena Johnson’s daughter can expect one heckuva wedding after lottery officials said the Chatham County middle school teacher won a $10 million jackpot on a North Carolina scratch-off ticket.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Three of the jail guards sustained minor injuries and scratches, Bland said.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Pack a tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in your first aid kit instead of antibiotic ointment and remember to flush all scrapes and cuts with copious amounts of clean water before covering them with the jelly.
    Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This follows previous scrapes of the dataset posted on Reddit (since taken down by the original poster) and the AI model clearinghouse Hugging Face.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Consider each target wounded by crushing knockdowns and then killed by piggy-backers, irrespective of the quality of the quarter.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Aargau Cantonal Police said one person was killed and five others were wounded after shots were fired at the event in the town of Aarau, a scenic area known for its lush valleys, medieval castles and thermal springs.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Right tackle Luke Goedeke tore his plantar fascia and suffered a severe foot contusion, and missed six games.
    Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Police say the attack left the woman with a laceration on her lip, a contusion around her nose and an abrasion on her neck.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Remove Bits and Bobs Be sure to remove pins or buckles from clothing items before placing them in the washer—zip the zippers on your clothing, close snaps and hooks, and secure Velcro to prevent snags and abrasion.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Leading the charge in technology is Goatek, a proprietary outsole platform that Nike says delivers a 45 percent improvement in wet traction and 25 percent greater resistance to abrasions compared to previous ACG outsoles.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That was truly the only time the Panthers got gashed all afternoon.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Broncos’ offensive line consistently won the line of scrimmage, clearing paths for Denver running backs to gash the Falcons’ defense.
    Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Therefore, wearing a watch on your left wrist is a smart styling choice, leaving your investment piece less prone to scratches, bumps, and other wear and tear.
    Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The problem is Republicans need a four-point more bump to get up.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • In 2014 and 2017, there were very violent protests; people were burned alive, motorcyclists had their throats slit, health centers were set on fire, schools were set on fire.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruise. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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