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
In a photo shared on GoFundMe, Oltmanns showed that his face and clothes had been bloodied in the incident. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Pritchard showed toughness by playing through a hard collision with big man Isaiah Stewart and a cut to the face from Thompson that left him bloodied, but a brief flurry of threes from him, White and Horford came too late to make a difference. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 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
Adjective
  • Just north of Magic Mountain’s roller coasters, hidden within the vast, anonymous industrial parks of Valencia, lies the secret lab where the murderous doll M3GAN was born.
    Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • Newcastle United’s Italian midfielder is scorching forward at a murderous pace, his intent so malicious that Lavia hesitates — and that hesitation is enough.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • No one was hurt but the Toyota 4Runner the men were inside and another vehicle were damaged.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation.
    Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Then there’s carmine, which makes some consumers queasy because the reddish pigment comes from cochineal insects.
    Tribune News Service, Twin Cities, 19 May 2025
  • In an apse, near the site of the sarcophagus, is a sparkling mosaic of Jesus in reddish and gold robes sitting atop the orb of the world.
    Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The Mavericks had a season marred by injuries and executed a trade that not only shocked the NBA but also enraged fans.
    Jason Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • Finding an innovative, sustainable path to parity—without triggering the kind of prolonged labor disputes that have marred the sport’s past—will do far more for the game than any piece of equipment ever could.
    John Cairney, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Final Destination 3: Shot with a nail gun One of Final Destination's goriest kills comes in a hardware store where Ian (Kris Lemche) and his girlfriend Erin (Alexz Johnson) work.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • Final Destination: Bloodlines After a 14-year hiatus, Final Destination is back — and gorier than ever.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lori survives the brutal events of prom night, but not without a fight.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Would a Venezuelan contestant who rolled off her log need to use her airline miles when forcibly flown to the waiting arms of Maduro’s brutal regime?
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Several people were injured in a boat crash in the Hamptons on Sunday night, and the boat’s captain was arrested for boating under the influence, police said.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in the attacks.
    Jackie Northam, NPR, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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