Synonyms for

Bruised

Verb / bru:zd / Another word for bruised — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

damaged or injured, often with discoloration

Synonyms & similar words

bruise contuse hurt spite wound offend injure hurt injured wounded battered beaten black-and-blue crushed damaged discolored harmful hurtful marred sore swollen tender sensitive painful aching smarting throbbing

Synonyms by register

Formal

contused damaged injured

Informal

banged up beat up sore

Literary

marred blemished

Antonyms

unharmed uninjured healed intact sound whole perfect

Common collocations

  • badly bruised
  • slightly bruised
  • bruised ego
  • bruised feelings
  • bruised fruit
  • bruised skin
  • bruised by criticism

Word family

noun bruise
verb bruise
adjective bruised

Usage note

While 'bruised' can refer to physical injury, it is also commonly used metaphorically to describe emotional hurt or damage to one's ego or feelings.

Example sentences

  1. The boy had a bruised knee from falling off his bike.
  2. The apple was bruised from being dropped.
  3. The boxer had a bruised face after the fight.
  4. The banana was bruised, so it wasn't good to eat.
  5. The car was bruised from the accident.

Quotes

  • The bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench. - Matthew 12:20
  • A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it. - Dogen Zenji
  • We are all bruised reeds, but God can still use us for his purposes. - Unknown

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