bloody 1 of 2

bloody

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verb

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
They were seen in videos pleading for help, their faces and clothing bloodied. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025 His predatory lifestyle leaves him perpetually bloodied and battered. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 20 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
  • Unusually, its tan Connolly leather interior is contrasted with red carpets.
    Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 5 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Joe has to finally face up to his murderous past, and battle for survival as his crimes finally close in.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The rest is a whole lot of creepiness of some seemingly murderous children, some bloodshed, and more.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But even though teams and equipment have been flown in from other nations, they are hindered by the airports in those cities being damaged and apparently unfit to land planes.
    Time, Time, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Waging war on Denmark is wrong and will damage U.S. defense and foreign relations for decades We Americans should be ashamed of ourselves and of our government.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Two of nature’s most dazzling phenomena overlapped during a narrow window on March 13, 2025, when totality — the period when the lunar surface turns a reddish color — lasted just 65 minutes.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The moon has a tendency to turn a reddish hue when covered by the Earth's shadow, hence the quirky nickname.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The transition has been marred by ongoing disagreements, political tensions, infighting and what security experts describe as a lack of a cohesive strategy for fighting the gangs.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • What Happened On March 8? The SAT, a cornerstone of college admissions, was marred by technical and administrative issues on test day.
    Scott White, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Analyzing the legendary unicorn tapestries hanging at the Met Cloisters in New York (augmented here by a gory new panel that depicts the suddenly fearsome animals disemboweling and impaling their aggressors), Ridley concludes that unicorns aren’t nearly as benevolent as most people think.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Complementing the costumes were grungy makeup and greasy hair, as well as inventive prosthetics to achieve the gorier moments.
    Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And often times that can yield lead to some brutal consequences.
    Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Even without snow, the drop in temperature alone can be brutal.
    Elizabeth Medeiros, Health, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One person was injured and transported to Shock Trauma, fire officials said.
    Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The industry faces scrutiny after a pedestrian was seriously injured in October 2023 by a General Motors Cruise vehicle.
    David Shephardson, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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