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
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Recent Examples of bruises
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
During the encounters, the women suffered significant pain, including bruises and psychological trauma, and sometimes required medical treatment, according to prosecutors.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
The trade that sent him to Los Angeles, though, left visible bruises all over Dončić.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
The bandages and bruises only underline the physicality of Hawke’s performance.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Well accustomed to the bumps and bruises that come with playing defense at a high level, Thomas can look back with some humor at one of the ankle injuries, which was due to a clumsy play.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
The autopsy found small scrapes on Adair’s skin and hemorrhages, or bruises, on his back and shoulders.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
But the memories weren't all bruises.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Tsuyoshi comes to school covered in bruises, and as Kiyoko tends to him day after day, the two draw closer.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
Despite sustaining some minor injuries — Ethan sustained several cuts, scrapes and bruises while Brandon sustained a small burn on his forehead and scarring on his hands — the pair escaped relatively unscathed, physically.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
During the encounters, the women suffered significant pain, including bruises and psychological trauma, and sometimes required medical treatment, according to prosecutors.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
The trade that sent him to Los Angeles, though, left visible bruises all over Dončić.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
The bandages and bruises only underline the physicality of Hawke’s performance.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
Well accustomed to the bumps and bruises that come with playing defense at a high level, Thomas can look back with some humor at one of the ankle injuries, which was due to a clumsy play.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
The autopsy found small scrapes on Adair’s skin and hemorrhages, or bruises, on his back and shoulders.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025
But the memories weren't all bruises.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Tsuyoshi comes to school covered in bruises, and as Kiyoko tends to him day after day, the two draw closer.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruises
Noun
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Without proper padding and protection, your device risks scratches, dents, or worse, internal damage.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
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How To Store Your Barware Properly Store your glassware upright or inverted based on your setup, but always use clean, padded or lined shelving to prevent chips and scratches.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Wallen then stumbles to his feet in the middle of the road, as rain pours down, with close-up images showing Wallen in tattered clothes and covered in scrapes and cuts.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
1 Oct. 2025
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Josie had some scrapes from running into the woods.—
Georgea Kovanis,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Set against Mumbai’s relentless pulse, their delicate connection faces tests as personal histories, desires, and wounds resurface.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
-
No policy wounds Tibetan dignity more profoundly than attempts to co-opt its spiritual and institutional heart.—
Tenzin Dorjee,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ragusa said Giuliani was transported to a nearby trauma center where he was found with a fractured thoracic vertebra and multiple lacerations and contusions.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
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Giuliani suffered a fractured vertebra, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Microfleece lining on the interior creates a light but appreciably warm layer, while rugged cotton canvas on the exterior cuts the wind chill, protects from abrasions, and looks stylish to boot.—
Alice Bennett,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Sep. 2025
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Top distressed straight-leg jeans These jeans feature a light wash with several abrasions and holes.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 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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Overwashing, particularly with down and cotton, can weaken the fibers and compress the batting, says Holmes, which can cause lumps and bumps in your once cozy comforter.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
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However, Wintour admitted the relationship at times hit some bumps, especially when Armani felt he was neglected by Vogue.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Consistency builds trust and slashes audit drag.—
Jagbir Kaur,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Cherry picks up a knife and slashes Laura’s tires on the way out, for good measure.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bruises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruises. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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