bruise 1 of 2

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
If your knees hurt as a result of a traumatic accident or acute event, if the joint feels really unstable, or if there’s lots of swelling and bruising, then you get checked out by a doctor. Jenny McCoy, Outside, 28 Sep. 2025 Storm survived but suffered bruising and cuts to her body and was treated for bleeding on the brain. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Pumpkins with bruises or cuts won't last quite as long. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 Over the next few days, the eggplants sat in my crisper drawer, soft spots spreading across their skin like bruises. Reem Kassis, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bruise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruise
Noun
  • Even in a game when rookie left tackle Josh Simmons was a late scratch because of an unspecified personal matter, the offensive line with Jaylon Moore filling in for Simmons was virtually seamless.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • It is spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, and first symptoms may include flu, weakness, discomfort, fever, headache, as well as a prickling sensation at the site of the wound, before turning into more severe disease after around two weeks.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Blood on Mateer’s pants didn’t make this look like a normal scrape.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The youngster picked it up fast, and one of our grandest afternoons was the day Ronnie located a line of five scrapes strung through a large tract of second-growth.
    Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Additional fighting between troops and militants apparently broke out in a second area in Pakistan’s Orakzai district to the north, where Islamabad said six Pakistani paramilitary soldiers were killed and two security officials were wounded.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The mayor's appearance came a day after a shooting near the CityBird restaurant on Fountain Square that wounded two people, prompting discussions about ongoing violence in Cincinnati's urban core.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Wilson got up limping, and what was initially believed to be a hip contusion was later revealed to be a knee injury.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Wideout Sean Brown suffered a contusion during his catch and run in Saturday night’s loss and is expected to be OK, but didn’t practice on Tuesday, according to Albin.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Laser sunbursts and clouded fade-outs replace traditional abrasion, showcasing Rimaks’s laundry artistry in a low-impact way.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Turning exercise clothing inside out also helps prevent fading as a result of abrasion and dye transfer.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sure, the offense racked up yardage, but the Niners were fooled on critical plays on offense and were gashed on defense.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Led by quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back King Miller, USC’s offense gashed Michigan (4-2, 2-1) for 489 yards while the USC defense bottled up Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There will be bumps along the way.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Lightweight yet durable enough to resist bumps while on the go, the carry-on suitcase is complete with spinner wheels and a telescopic handle to effortlessly glide through the airport.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Someone slit his throat and bashed him over the head in Skulls Rainbow Room, which sits in Printers Alley, one of the most popular destinations in Nashville.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025
  • When Rochelle Luna, 18, arrived at the house hours later, Djerf bound, gagged and raped her before stabbing her and slitting her throat, court records said.
    Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruise. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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