bruises 1 of 2

plural of bruise
1
as in scratches
a bodily injury in which small blood vessels are broken but the overlying skin is not she got quite a big bruise from walking into the corner of the table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in scrapes
an area of skin roughened or worn away by harsh rubbing against another surface bruises caused by ill-fitting hiking boots

Synonyms & Similar Words

bruises

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of bruise

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 bruises
Noun
According to Globo, the woman had multiple bruises on her breasts, neck and lips. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Thomas showed photos to CBS News Chicago Investigators of blood left behind from the gash to the back of his head, and scrapes and bruises to his face. Megan De Mar, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Lawren, who plays varsity basketball, is still recovering from bruises to her shoulder, arm and back according to the notice. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026 Cells divide lethargically, which slows the closing of cuts and healing of bruises. T.m. Brown, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 The beating left at least 30 bruises on Joanna’s torso and legs, and a belt pattern was present among the injuries, according to the assessment of a pathologist described in the affidavit. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026 Paromita, a widowed teacher, conceals her loneliness behind the cover of duty and routine, while Shefali, a working wife, hides her bruises beneath concealer and silence. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 June 2026 Onaje’s body was covered with numerous bruises to the chest, stomach, back and legs. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 June 2026 When shopping for fresh peaches, seek out fruit that smells fragrant and sweet, is free of bruises or blemishes, and is slightly firm with a little give. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bruises
Noun
  • Because the child had no visible bite marks or scratches and appeared to be unharmed, his family did not seek medical care.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The byproduct was irritated, itchy skin with the discomfort of scratches, scabs and the stink that accompanied it.
    Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Tony says no bystanders were hurt and his deputies have only minor cuts and scrapes.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The boy bore no signs of scrapes or skin punctures, so the family initially didn’t take him for medical care.
    Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Chops, gouges, wounds it like the shadow grooves on the sidewalks—the sun is setting earlier.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Imperfect fleshly reality occupies the stage, the region where bones crack and wounds suppurate, schlumpy humans fall for each other, and jealousy roams murderously free.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The warrant states an autopsy found Murphy had contusions on her body in various stages of healing.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
  • For contusions, wear your shin guards.
    Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Crump said the pathologist noted injury patterns on Kohen’s body caused by debris in the bullet’s wake and displayed a picture showing several abrasions on the child’s right torso.
    Bracey Harris, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • The officer suffered fractured ribs, abrasions and bruising and was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said.
    Mauricio Maldonado, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The front lid appears to be barely hanging on by a thread, with cuts and gashes throughout.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Heupel spreads out his receivers in an attempt to spread out the defense, then gashes them with the run.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As viewers know, her journey to get to happily ever after was filled with a lot of bumps in the road, as well as another suitor, William Ryder (Laurie Davidson).
    Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026
  • Wheeler grinned before Hill exchanged high-fives and chest bumps with right fielder Brandon Marsh.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Smiley slashes Mari across the belly and Fatima lets out a monstrous shriek.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • This comes as the company reportedly slashes product prices and prepares for a potential IPO, amid accusations from Florida's AG regarding unsafe product releases.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bruises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bruises. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bruises

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster