1
as in lumps
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
as in demotions
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank
the bump was punishment for insubordination
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in collisions
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 bangs
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 bumps
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Who benefits most will depend on individual circumstances, but the biggest bumps are expected among middle-income households, families with children, workers with overtime or tip income, and some older taxpayers.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent pay bumps have stirred some interest, OCPD said, but the office is still facing an attorney shortage.
—Josie Reich, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026
Every day included either coaches yelling at him or players bullying him with bumps, elbows and pushes.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
If the stem is still green after the bloom, check it for any unused nodes (green and plump bumps) on the flower spikes.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
And the potential acquisition has not been without its bumps.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
So a little short motion bumps who’s covering who.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
At the end, Briar bumps into her and Ru looks displeased.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2026
Michael Wayland, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
A day when the Stanley Cup years finally ride the synaptic road back to long-term memory and the brain finally bumps the past for the present.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Epic Pass typically bumps its prices two to three times before sales end in early December.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
Sharp’s statement indicates that base pay will increase 5% across the board in the contract’s first year, with 4% bumps for each of the agreement’s final three years.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Who benefits most will depend on individual circumstances, but the biggest bumps are expected among middle-income households, families with children, workers with overtime or tip income, and some older taxpayers.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent pay bumps have stirred some interest, OCPD said, but the office is still facing an attorney shortage.
—Josie Reich, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026
Every day included either coaches yelling at him or players bullying him with bumps, elbows and pushes.
—Jason Quick, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026
If the stem is still green after the bloom, check it for any unused nodes (green and plump bumps) on the flower spikes.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
And the potential acquisition has not been without its bumps.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2026
So a little short motion bumps who’s covering who.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
At the end, Briar bumps into her and Ru looks displeased.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will start at $99,995, excluding a mandatory $2,595 destination fee that bumps the price to $102,590.
—Michael Wayland, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
A day when the Stanley Cup years finally ride the synaptic road back to long-term memory and the brain finally bumps the past for the present.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Epic Pass typically bumps its prices two to three times before sales end in early December.
—Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bumps
Noun
-
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt, breaking up any lumps.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Sarcoidosis produces lumps or nodules in the lungs.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association.—
Christine Sloan,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
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An attorney for two other administrators who sued over their demotions said Monday that their lawsuit is still pending.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Each of these impact sites stands testament to the violence of its creation — cataclysmic collisions that carved vast basins in the lunar surface, while hurling debris miles across the face of Earth's natural satellite.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Other tips for driving in snow Navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze collect real-time information on traffic slowdowns and collisions.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The sheep alien bangs its head on the glass in the nextdoor cell, startling Tootles, who falls over and spills the tray.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Infection is rapid, causing swellings in the lymph nodes (buboes) and leading to septicaemia and pulmonary infection.—
Matthew Binnicker,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Maybe what the firings say about the league is the superficial matters.—
Gladys Louise Tyler,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Abrams had been a constant at the top of the organization throughout its bevy of general manager and coach firings over the last decade.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Weather models continue to signal a potentially impactful storm, with freezing rain expected to develop as cold arctic air collides with moisture moving in from the Gulf.—
Troy Bridges,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
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However, that pressure collides with the reality that utilities compete for shareholders in financial markets, where investors expect returns.—
Will Taylor,
Hartford Courant,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The photos show cuts and bruises on his face as well as bandages on his hands.—
David Matthews,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
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The child suffered scrapes and bruises and was expected to make a full recovery, said Kristy Wells, a spokesperson for Fullerton police.—
Ryanne Mena,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bumps. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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