1
as in swelling
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue
that's a nasty bump on your arm where you hit the table
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
3
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things
I felt the bump of the other car, but there was no damage to either vehicle
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to bang
to come into usually forceful contact with something
that police officer bumped into me and should have apologized
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bump
Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
It is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and rashes or bumps that appear seven to 14 days after exposure.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
San Jose, California bumped Miami down a spot from 2025, with a median one-bedroom rental price of $2,600.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bump
Noun
Chris Lipman, the city’s finance director, said that, in total, this pay bump will apply to 43 employees and cost the city an additional $1 million over the duration of the three-year contract.
—Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
It is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and rashes or bumps that appear seven to 14 days after exposure.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Verb
Some of Hollywood's biggest names bumped into the gang at Central Perk, while others were even invited up to their apartments.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
San Jose, California bumped Miami down a spot from 2025, with a median one-bedroom rental price of $2,600.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for bump
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bump
Noun
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More serious outcomes can include pneumonia, encephalitis — or swelling of the brain — and, in rare cases, death, according to the CDC.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
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From there, check wounds regularly for unusual swelling or discharge or a foul odor, as that might be a sign of fly larvae in wounds.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Before his demotion, Lewis was swinging at everything, and the strikeouts began to pile up.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
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Vitello talked about the importance of Walker’s mentality at the time of his demotion, but Walker said Friday that his mental state was good before being optioned.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
12 June 2026
Noun
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The Irvine Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man accused of a deadly hit-and-run collision on Wednesday.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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The current number of near-collisions is tough to pin down, as FAA data on drone-aircraft encounters is limited and difficult to verify.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The Americans gradually amplified their attack centered around Pulisic’s runs — and three minutes after an apparent goal from Balogun was erased by an offside call, Pulisic again drove the left side and got a deflected pass to the trailing Balogun, who banged it home.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
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Instead, both hesitated, their feet tangled and a charging Healy banged in the loose ball.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
Noun
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One is debt settlement, which involves negotiating with the creditor or debt collector on a lump-sum settlement amount that's less than the full amount owed.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Guests also love the daily tradition that starts by the fireplace in the main lobby, processes to a ceremonial firing of a replica 19th-century cannon on the edge of Mobile Bay, and finishes with light bites back at the hotel.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
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The board voted 7-0 after meeting in executive session to consider the firing of Jennifer Honka.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Noun
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The driver’s side opens, releasing the thump of music and a tall, lean figure.—
Shyla Watson,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
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The usual thump of a foot hitting a soccer ball filled the air Wednesday at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The other driver, in a 2022 Ram F550, was traveling westbound and collided with the side of the Kia, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
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The lead-up to the match between Mexico and South Africa collided with immigration policies, affordability politics and the war in Iran.—
Samantha Schmidt,
Washington Post,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bump.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bump. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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