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
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Recent Examples of pustule
Folliculitis refers to the bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle that can lead to redness or pustules centered around the hair follicle.
—
Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 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
Later in the growing season, rust pustules on the underside of the leaf can be orange and black.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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
Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 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
Later in the growing season, rust pustules on the underside of the leaf can be orange and black.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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
Noun
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That way, you aren’t left trying to break in a new pair of sandals while commuting, exploring a new city, or simply trying to walk from your car to the coffee shop without getting a fresh blister.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
26 Mar. 2026
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If the starting pitching stays healthy – and Greene’s surgery and Nick Lodolo’s and Brady Singer’s blister problems are early red flags – the Reds will be intriguing.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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May Be Useful in Acne Treatment People with acne often have lowered serum zinc levels, and both oral and topical zinc have been found to reduce the prevalence of inflammatory papules, both when used as monotherapy and as a supplemental therapy.5 4.—
Jamie Johnson,
Verywell Health,
6 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
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Never fret over a breakout again with these highly effective pimple patches.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
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In the rearview mirror, my reflection was dotted with fat, angry pimples, sweating and growing more aggressive in their itch.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After the tea had finished its boil, Meraj poured it out, straining the steaming, fragrant liquid into small cups.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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For months — and in some cases years — boil water notices became part of daily life.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The satisfying pock of paddle on ball, battling through long rallies, and breaking into dance moves with Chrissy after a perfect slam.—
Gali Kronenberg,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Unlike the traditional hardbat, the sponge rubber silenced the pock of the ball hitting the racket.—
Elizabeth Blair,
NPR,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pustule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pustule. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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