bruise 1 of 2

noun

ˈbrüz How to pronounce bruise (audio)
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

as in to wound

Related Words

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
Smurf played with bumps and bruises and half a tooth at one point against Georgia Tech. — Hunter Delauder, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 Look Look for a firm watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 15, Sacbee.com, 15 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
  1. scratch
  2. scrape
  3. wound
  4. contusion
  5. abrasion
  6. gash
  7. bump
  8. slit
Noun
  • The most recent experiments there had at last demonstrated the viability of a weapon that could wipe out entire enemy populations without leaving a scratch on their infrastructure.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
  • One of the standout pieces in Galecki’s room is a yellow chair with visible scratches, rips and worn fabric.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 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
  • In the film, Robin Hood (Jackman), who feels cursed after leading a life of violent crime, is gravely wounded in a battle and seeks a chance at salvation while under the care of the mysterious Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer).
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The Pentagon also lists 420 troops as wounded in action during Operation Epic Fury.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Definition of wound
Noun
  • To make matters worse, All-Star first baseman Nick Kurtz exited the game with a left forearm contusion after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of contusion
Noun
  • Ask about fiber content, abrasion rating and frame materials.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Ask the retailer for specifics on fiber content, abrasion rating, frame materials and cushion density.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
Definition of abrasion
Verb
  • His fingers have been jammed, his head butted, his eyes gashed.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of gash
Noun
  • The petition bumps the maximum age to take an entrance exam for the city’s police academy from 39 to 44 years old.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • Reese jumped up and down as Malonga finished the play, and the two exchanged a midair chest bump on their way back down the court.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of bump
Verb
  • The repeat was a cleaner A-line style with a round neckline, flared sleeves and a center slit through the midi skirt.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • And when her enemies slept, her forces crept into their camps and slit their throats.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of slit

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Cite this Entry

“Bruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruise. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bruise

Nglish: Translation of bruise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bruise

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