pustule

noun

ˈpəs-(ˌ)chül How to pronounce pustule (audio)
Definition of pustulenext
as in blister
a small, inflamed swelling of the skin smallpox's characteristic pustules typically resulted in permanent scarring for survivors of the dreaded disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pustule Research suggests that pimple patches aren't effective on cystic acne, pustules, or blackheads. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025 Even worse, Neal later developed strange-looking face pustules, which were truly concerning. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 Their venom, similar to a bee’s or wasp’s, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin. — Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025 The man in the white house sits, naked and obscene, a pustule of ego, in the harsh light, a man whose grasp exceeded his understanding, because his understanding was dulled by indulgence. — Rebecca Solnit may 31, Literary Hub, 31 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for pustule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pustule
  1. blister
  2. papule
  3. pimple
  4. boil
  5. pock
Noun
  • Ginn has been out since July 19 with a blister on his right middle finger.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Ginn was shut down from throwing while the blister healed, and is set to throw a bullpen Monday afternoon.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of blister
Noun
  • More papules emerge as blisters burst, prolonging the torment.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, one of the most common triggers of rosacea, which is characterized by flushing, swelling, spider veins, papules, and pustules, is exposure to sunlight.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of papule
Noun
  • Peace Out has the best pimple patches, with a formula that’s designed to slow down the inflammation in early break-outs.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Molluscum is caused by a virus and spawns the pimple-like bumps.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of pimple
Noun
  • Unlike standard kettles, this one features a precise temperature control and soothing tone (no annoying whistle) that signals when the water has reached a boil.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Some utilities issued boil-water notices and switched to manual mode.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of boil
Noun
  • Many have irregular or pock-marked shapes, while others have a smooth crust from their time burning up in our atmosphere.
    — Adam Lark, The Conversation, 16 June 2026
  • Inoculation involved taking pus from a pock of someone with a not-very-severe case of smallpox, making a cut in the arm of the person to be inoculated, and rubbing the pus into the cut.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Definition of pock

Browse Nearby Words

pussyfoots
pustule
pustules
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Cite this Entry

“Pustule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pustule. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pustule

Nglish: Translation of pustule for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pustule

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