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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Recent Examples of bruises
Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Just a bump to follow the bruises.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh didn’t say who else in addition to Herbert might sit out to rest bumps and bruises against the Broncos.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 1 Jan. 2026
The idea behind the law is that stylists are in a unique position to spot bruises and other signs of abuse.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Medical professionals later found extensive signs of abuse, including a brain hemorrhage, burn marks, missing toenails and hair, and numerous cuts and bruises, according to investigators.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, produce with any cuts or bruises before going into the dishwasher can more easily absorb detergents, rinse aids, and microorganisms.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
All seems normal with this new potential job until the woman conducting the interview subtly reveals bruises on her arms and, not so subtly, starts fingering her kitchen knives.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Dec. 2025
McClure would briefly lose custody of her children later that year after they were taken to a hospital with several marks, welts and bruises, the lawsuit alleges.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
Flores arrived at court wearing bandages on her face and, according to her attorney, complaining of bruises on her ribs.
—Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Just a bump to follow the bruises.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Harbaugh didn’t say who else in addition to Herbert might sit out to rest bumps and bruises against the Broncos.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 1 Jan. 2026
The idea behind the law is that stylists are in a unique position to spot bruises and other signs of abuse.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Medical professionals later found extensive signs of abuse, including a brain hemorrhage, burn marks, missing toenails and hair, and numerous cuts and bruises, according to investigators.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, produce with any cuts or bruises before going into the dishwasher can more easily absorb detergents, rinse aids, and microorganisms.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Dec. 2025
All seems normal with this new potential job until the woman conducting the interview subtly reveals bruises on her arms and, not so subtly, starts fingering her kitchen knives.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Dec. 2025
McClure would briefly lose custody of her children later that year after they were taken to a hospital with several marks, welts and bruises, the lawsuit alleges.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruises
Noun
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So consider the size and severity of scratches and markings, as well as the item's price.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
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Everything is wrapped in a Ceraluminum ceramic finish that resists fingerprints and scratches while feeling premium in hand.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The fieldwork covered 146 signposts in all, providing a broad look at 109 rubs and 37 scrapes across the forest.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Dec. 2025
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Eye rinse helped, but didn’t prevent fresh cuts and scrapes, or stray seeds from gathering in his eyes.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
24 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
What once killed campaigns now barely wounds them.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Even with all of them in place, Shirley misses the masked attacker sneaking his way up to the apartment door, and Lamb’s attempt to blind him with bleach creates a chaotic struggle that wounds the assailant without containing him.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Freddie suffered contusions to his right forward rib area and is now back at work.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
1 Dec. 2025
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Of the 40 officers hospitalized, 36 had contusions, cuts and minor injuries, and four are receiving specialized care for trauma and other injuries that are not life-threatening.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
15 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The material also lives up to its name—the ripstop design will prevent snags and abrasions on challenging trail runs while still being light and airy enough for strenuous road running efforts.—
Will Porter,
Outside,
4 Jan. 2026
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The assault left the woman with numerous injuries, including multiple bruises, hematomas and abrasions to her face, head, arms and hand, CWB Chicago reported.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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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
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The pictures show scars and gashes around the dog's snout.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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If there’s just one adult in a family who can work, the new plan bumps their payment from $400 to $580 a month.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
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The shell is built to withstand bumps and dings, while the textured finish helps hide wear and tear from travel.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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At some point, Alice slashes the tires on Rachel’s car.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
9 Jan. 2026
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There, Constance slashes her face with a knife.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bruises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruises. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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