BLOODY Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'bloody' contrast with its synonyms?

The words gory and sanguinary are common synonyms of bloody . While all three words mean "affected by or involving the shedding of blood," bloody is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood. // bloody hands

Q: Where would 'gory' be a reasonable alternative to 'bloody'?

In some situations, the words gory and bloody are roughly equivalent. However, gory suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter. // exceptionally gory , even for a horror movie

Q: When could 'sanguinary' be used to replace 'bloody'?

The meanings of sanguinary and bloody largely overlap; however, sanguinary applies especially to something attended by, or someone inclined to, bloodshed. // the Civil War was America's most sanguinary conflict

bloody 1 of 2

adjective

ˈblə-dē

Definition of bloody next

as in red

smeared or stained with blood after the fight, her shirt was all bloody

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in murderous

eager for or marked by the shedding of blood, extreme violence, or killing a bloody battle a bloody movie that is unsuitable for children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bloody

2 of 2

verb

as in to damage

to reduce the soundness, effectiveness, or perfection of the politician's reputation was permanently bloodied by the rumors of corruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bloody contrast with its synonyms?

The words gory and sanguinary are common synonyms of bloody. While all three words mean "affected by or involving the shedding of blood," bloody is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood.

bloody hands

Where would gory be a reasonable alternative to bloody?

In some situations, the words gory and bloody are roughly equivalent. However, gory suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter.

exceptionally gory, even for a horror movie

When could sanguinary be used to replace bloody?

The meanings of sanguinary and bloody largely overlap; however, sanguinary applies especially to something attended by, or someone inclined to, bloodshed.

the Civil War was America's most sanguinary conflict

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 bloody

Adjective

For example, at Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre, centurion Marcus Aurelius Nepos tells about England’s bloody combat history at the spot. —

Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, 30 June 2017 Collapsing the roof isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing, either—our experience involved about three minutes, two swearing fits, and at least one bloody knuckle. —

Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017

Verb

Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels was cut and bloodied in the second quarter of his playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. —

Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025 We’ve been bloodied and bandaged and bloodied again. —

Charles Moss, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bloody

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody

Adjective

In between walking red carpets and attending charity events together, the pair welcomed two children, daughters Evangeline Ruth and Elijah.

— Ellie Beeck, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2023
Music’s biggest night returns to Los Angeles on Sunday, and along with it, one of Hollywood’s grandest red carpets.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2023