bruising

/ ˈbruːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing bruises, as by a blow

2. aggressively antagonistic; hurtful

   four months of bruising negotiation

noun

1. a bruise or bruises

Example Sentences

Lai's speech followed a bruising year for the president, a staunch defender of Taiwan's sovereignty who is loathed by Beijing.

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Meanwhile, the style of play in the NHL became faster and a little less bruising than it had been in the aughts—and far less brutal than it was in Gretzky’s heyday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But while the revelation that brings the play to a painful climax has a faint whiff of contrivance about it, the angry confrontation that ensues between Nelson and Nick has a bruising, brutal power.

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The British number one will soon begin preparations in earnest for next season, having only been able to play one singles match since Wimbledon because of bone bruising in his left arm.

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That left the Jets as the only winless team left in the NFL after their bruising 37-22 defeat by the Cowboys.

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Related Words

• able-bodied 
• athletic 
• beefy 
• brawny 
• bulky 
• hulking 
• muscular 
• portly 
• stocky 
• stout 
• strapping 
• sturdy