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

The welfare check was conducted after an unnamed reporting party shared photos of the child’s bruises with the Burnsville Police Department on June 4, the County Attorney’s Office said in the statement last week. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 The unit is also missing Carlos Rodón (elbow inflammation) and Max Fried (elbow bone bruise), so the depth-lacking Yankees can’t afford another rotation injury right now. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026

Verb

Fruits such as strawberries and raspberries have a narrow harvest window and can bruise easily during picking, transportation and storage. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 2026 Wittily bruising us with that fact, Spielberg opens with a POV of a wrestler kicking the audience in the face. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bruise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruise

Noun

Imagine a small device inside the engine that can polish a scratch, mend minor damage or even 3D-print a replacement part—all performed autonomously and within the cowling.

— Beena Ammanath, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The lightweight carbon steel body heats water quickly while remaining easier to lift than cast iron alternatives, and the durable porcelain enamel resists rust and scratches.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026

Definition of scratch

Noun

Necrotizing fasciitis can be contracted when bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters enters the body through open cuts, scrapes, burns or other puncture wounds, or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
The agency also recommends those at higher risk for infection wear water shoes or clothes in coastal water to prevent cuts and scrapes.

— Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026

Definition of scrape

Verb

Four Kuwaiti service members were wounded by an Iranian attack on a Kuwaiti naval vessel, the country’s Defense Ministry said.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Morgan was fatally wounded, and despite officers and emergency medical personnel attempting life-saving measures, Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Definition of wound

Noun

With Lakers rookie guard Cameron Carr unable to play because of a right thumb contusion, Kaluma took over the scoring role.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Gabby Williams, who leads Golden State with 15 points per game, missed her first game of the season due to a back contusion.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of contusion

Verb

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum made similar claims in television interviews in early July, saying on Fox News that vandals left gashes totaling 350 feet.

— Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
The deep, gashing wounds left behind by the wolves’ claws and teeth had went untreated.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026

Definition of gash

Verb

They’re designed with a sleek flat front, a mid-rise elastic waistband, a slightly loose leg opening, and small side slits for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
Before police took him into custody, Tran slit his wrists, cut his neck and poked the blade into his stomach, but all of the wounds were superficial.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

Definition of slit

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bruise

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“Bruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruise. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bruise

noun

verb

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