bump 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəmp How to pronounce bump (audio)
Definition of bumpnext
1
as in swelling
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue that's a nasty bump on your arm where you hit the table

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2
as in demotion
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank the bump was punishment for insubordination

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3
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things I felt the bump of the other car, but there was no damage to either vehicle

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bump

2 of 2

verb

as in to bang
to come into usually forceful contact with something that police officer bumped into me and should have apologized

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bump
Noun
California state scientists ended last month anticipating a pay bump at the start of the new fiscal year in July. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 The company also reported a 20% bump in its supply chain emissions, which account for three-quarters of its total carbon footprint. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
Tea leaves provide natural acidity to plants that enjoy the boost and can bump nitrogen levels when added to compost. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 Hancock was initially scheduled to pitch bulk relief behind Gilbert, but manager Dan Wilson bumped him back a day. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bump
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bump
  1. swelling
  2. demotion
  3. collision
  4. bang
  5. lump
  6. firing
  7. thump
  8. collide
Noun
  • About 400 to 500 Americans died of measles each year, while about 1,000 experienced brain swelling and 48,000 were hospitalized, records show.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • There should be no pain or skin reddening during a proper session, and therapists avoid working over active swelling, infection or skin that’s undergone cancer treatment.
    — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Definition of swelling
Noun
  • However, this signals a potential demotion of Gregory Soto from the primary save share.
    — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • The Marlins ultimately decided to move on following a demotion to Triple-A and continued offensive regression that never stabilized.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of demotion
Noun
  • Leaving the scene of a property-damage collision can result in misdemeanor charges, fines and other penalties.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Under California’s vehicle code, hit-and-run collisions that lead to property damage but no injuries are classified as misdemeanors.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of collision
Verb
  • Gently bang pan on counter 2–3 times to eliminate any large air bubbles.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Haaland and his teammates sat on the wet pitch as Ødegaard banged the drum.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • Pastas, all made in house, are a solid choice too—like the Squid Ink Orecchiette with lump crab.
    — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Stocklas was retired by the time of his Powerball win, which netted a lump-sum payment of $191 million.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Definition of lump
Noun
  • Nieporte filed a federal lawsuit in May against human resources company ADP Totalsource for its role in his firing, seeking at least $30 million.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • Such blindsiding firings aren't limited to struggling employees; experienced professionals and executives are also abruptly dismissed due to shifting business priorities, restructuring, or leadership changes.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • That next phase will focus on measuring the shockwaves generated by the X-59 in flight, along with evaluating the sonic thump impact on the ground.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
  • Not long after, Jamison’s parents reported hearing a loud thump, as though someone had fallen, according to prosecutors.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Definition of thump
Verb
  • Video showed Quansah’s studs colliding with Gallardo’s calf and the referee issued Quansah a red card that delighted the crowd as England’s lineup was reduced to 10 men.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Mexican keeper Raúl Rangel charged out and collided with Gordon and was immediately whistled for a penalty.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of collide

Phrases Containing bump

Browse Nearby Words

bum (out)
bump
bumped
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Cite this Entry

“Bump.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bump. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bump

Nglish: Translation of bump for Spanish Speakers

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