bruise 1 of 2

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
The bumps and bruises, aches, pain and fatigue that comes with air travel and sleeping in hotels and the unrelenting schedule takes its toll. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 Satellite imagery turned the abstract threat into visceral geography — terrifying technicolor maps showed a deep purple bruise spreading over the South Pole. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
Suggs had missed the past eight games because of a right knee MCL bruise. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 When a dog repeatedly wags and whips its tail against hard surfaces, the tip can split open, bruise or break. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bruise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruise
Noun
  • The Canucks called up goaltender Jiri Patera from Abbotsford of the AHL as the backup to replace Kevin Lankinen, who was a late scratch.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Sources say all the sound and lighting had to be brought in from scratch for Mitski, at her team’s considerable expense.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The victim, a 31-year-old man, had visible facial injuries, including scrapes, lacerations and swelling, and injuries indicative of being dragged on pavement, police wrote.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Another image showed just their hands, documenting his scrapes, redness and dirt in his wounds.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Emirates Global Aluminium confirmed an Iranian attack wounded several and caused significant damage to its plant.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In a post on X accompanied by photos of wounded children, Fitrat said that preliminary figures indicated that one person had been killed and 16 others were wounded, mostly women and children.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Malik Monk has been ruled out due to a right shoulder contusion.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026
  • White has been on the injury report due to a right knee contusion.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Light scratches and abrasions will occur at the finish level rather than on the wood, and moisture and water won’t absorb through the topcoat.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The victim suffered a brain bleed, a fractured toe and abrasions, according to court officials.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Both exploited weaknesses in the Rams defense, with Saquon Barkley gashing it in 2024 and Sam Darnold attacking its outside cornerbacks last season.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Bernie was sleeping next to the wall, and two claws had caught him on the hand, gashing his thumb and tearing through the web of flesh between thumb and forefinger.
    Doris DeCleene, Outdoor Life, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Early conversations about money, time, or care may feel stretchy, but clarity softens bumps as the day unfolds.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • So my fingers were crossed for a lively ride, even if there might be some bumps.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Nicholson repeatedly stabbed her and slit her throat before stuffing her into a large plastic bin with her arms and legs sticking out, Porter said.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
  • If it’s baked in a loaf pan, go ahead and slit the top of the batter before baking.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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