as in blisters
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
Relevance
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 pustules
Larger pimples that contain pus are called pustules.
—
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pustules
Noun
-
As for this new creation, human clinical trials confirmed the pimples completely disappeared after seven days of treatment, according to the team.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
-
This CeraVe acne cleanser is best for acne-prone skin—a major concern for teens—and helps clear away pimples and blackheads.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Those include fish boils, something usually associated with Wisconsin’s Door County.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Bathing daily and keeping your buttocks clean and dry can help prevent boils, folliculitis, and other skin conditions.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Itchy bites from these annual pests often leave painful, red welts triggered by an alergic skin reaction.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Bed bug bites can cause red rashes, welts, swelling or appear in clusters or straight lines, Tahija said, adding that the biggest clue is where the bites show up.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pustules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pustules. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share