What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pustulating
Example
The patient's pustulating rash was diagnosed as a severe case of chickenpox. [pustulating: adjective]
Example
The wound on his leg was pustulating and required immediate medical attention. [pustulating: verb]
suppurating
Example
The suppurating wound on her arm required antibiotics to heal properly. [suppurating: adjective]
Example
The boil on his neck was suppurating and needed to be drained by a doctor. [suppurating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suppurating is less common than pustulating in everyday language and is primarily used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pustulating and suppurating?
Suppurating is more formal than pustulating and is typically used in medical contexts or formal writing.