bruises 1 of 2

noun

plural of bruise
1
as in scratches
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 scrapes
an area of skin roughened or worn away by harsh rubbing against another surface bruises caused by ill-fitting hiking boots

Synonyms & Similar Words

bruises

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of bruise
as in wounds

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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 bruises
Noun
The mother told officers that on June 25 her 4-year-old son came home from daycare with bruises on his face. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026 Eliminate possible bumps and bruises by using a pool noodle to cover sharp edges. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026 According to Globo, the woman had multiple bruises on her breasts, neck and lips. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Thomas showed photos to CBS News Chicago Investigators of blood left behind from the gash to the back of his head, and scrapes and bruises to his face. — Megan De Mar, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Lawren, who plays varsity basketball, is still recovering from bruises to her shoulder, arm and back according to the notice. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 Cells divide lethargically, which slows the closing of cuts and healing of bruises. — T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 The beating left at least 30 bruises on Joanna’s torso and legs, and a belt pattern was present among the injuries, according to the assessment of a pathologist described in the affidavit. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026 Paromita, a widowed teacher, conceals her loneliness behind the cover of duty and routine, while Shefali, a working wife, hides her bruises beneath concealer and silence. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruises
  1. scratches
  2. scrapes
  3. wounds
  4. contusions
  5. abrasions
  6. gashes
  7. bumps
  8. slashes
Noun
  • The photos of the front and driver’s side of a white van show no dents or scratches.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Vinyl scratches, cut-and-paste sound bites, and snowy static pepper its bouquet of styles, while a handful of shorter interlude tracks help the band speak its narrative message.
    — Kat Bein, SPIN, 7 July 2026
Definition of scratches
Noun
  • 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
  • Three people were in the silver Chevrolet truck, and all managed to escape with minor cuts and scrapes, the sheriff’s office said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of scrapes
Verb
  • Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Imperfect fleshly reality occupies the stage, the region where bones crack and wounds suppurate, schlumpy humans fall for each other, and jealousy roams murderously free.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of wounds
Noun
  • The warrant states an autopsy found Murphy had contusions on her body in various stages of healing.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • For contusions, wear your shin guards.
    — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
Definition of contusions
Noun
  • According to the lawsuit, the toddler was taken to the emergency room later that day for evaluation of blunt head trauma and was diagnosed with a concussion, traumatic brain injury and facial abrasions.
    — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Crump said the pathologist noted injury patterns on Kohen’s body caused by debris in the bullet’s wake and displayed a picture showing several abrasions on the child’s right torso.
    — Bracey Harris, NBC news, 1 July 2026
Definition of abrasions
Verb
  • The front lid appears to be barely hanging on by a thread, with cuts and gashes throughout.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Heupel spreads out his receivers in an attempt to spread out the defense, then gashes them with the run.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of gashes
Noun
  • Just keep in mind that the award price could change if a stopover bumps the distance of your flight into the next price band.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Vintage’s startup speed has resulted in some bumps in the road, namely a trademark infringement lawsuit from Ford.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of bumps
Verb
  • Smiley slashes Mari across the belly and Fatima lets out a monstrous shriek.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • This comes as the company reportedly slashes product prices and prepares for a potential IPO, amid accusations from Florida's AG regarding unsafe product releases.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of slashes

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Cite this Entry

“Bruises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruises. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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