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
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Recent Examples of pustules
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
Research suggests that pimple patches aren't effective on cystic acne, pustules, or blackheads.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025
Research suggests that pimple patches aren't effective on cystic acne, pustules, or blackheads.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pustules
Noun
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This year, Select editors got ahead of any surprise pimples by investigating the difference between skin purging and breakouts, researching the best over-the-counter topicals for teen acne, and asking dermatologists the best blackhead treatments for acne-prone skin.—
David Hickey,
NBC news,
17 Mar. 2026
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Spot treatments for pimples are one of the best ways to target breakouts.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Don’t be tempted to take an earlier exit, even though signs along I-10 will boast the finest boils in the state.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
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But it's very commonly associated with like seafood boils.—
Emily Elias,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Temperature swings, from a hot shower or very cold air, may intensify or cause the formation of new welts.—
Zia Sherrell,
Health,
7 Mar. 2026
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An agent in Houston put a teenage citizen into a chokehold, wrapping his arm around the boy’s neck, choking him so hard that his neck had red welts hours later.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pustules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pustules. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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