bloody 1 of 2

adjective

ˈblə-dē How to pronounce bloody (audio)
Definition of bloodynext
1
as in red
smeared or stained with blood after the fight, her shirt was all bloody

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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
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
  1. red
  2. murderous
  3. damage
  4. reddish
  5. mar
  6. gory
  7. brutal
  8. injure
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
Definition of red
Adjective
  • Min-chan’s murderous actions eventually lead to Yang-rae’s death, but not right away.
    — Kayti Burt, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
  • My parents fled a murderous, theocratic regime in Iran during the 1979 revolution, and this country welcomed them and gave us the opportunity at the American Dream.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of murderous
Verb
  • The way it’s assembled brings a big advantage if it’s rolled or damaged, as body panels may be replaced in a matter of a few days.
    — Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • During that time, Carney was criticized by some – particularly on the right – for warning repeatedly that leaving the European Union would damage Britain’s economy.
    — Christian Edwards, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of damage
Adjective
  • Once the eclipse starts, the full moon will take on a reddish hue and begin to look like a chunk has been taken out from one side, NASA said.
    — Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Long wavelengths of sunlight are refracted through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the moon, which reflects them in reddish hues that may resemble the color of blood.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of reddish
Verb
  • Rodgers was cut by the New York Jets earlier this year following two seasons marred by an achilles injury and 6-12 overall record as the team’s starting quarterback.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • For Harris and his teammates, March Madness presents an opportunity for redemption after a season marred by a dozen losses.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of mar
Adjective
  • 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
  • Popular on Variety The other shoe drops when realizing that Leone’s positivity is in service of one of the goriest horror movies ever made.
    — William Earl, Variety, 10 Oct. 2024
Definition of gory
Adjective
  • Conquest is a much more brutal Viltrumite than Nolan.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The avalanche at Tunnel Creek in the Cascade Mountains involved a large group of ski industry professionals and resulted in three brutal fatalities.
    — Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of brutal
Verb
  • Man charged after crash that killed 5 A man was charged Friday with intoxication manslaughter after five people were killed and several injured in a late-night wreck in Austin, Texas, that involved more than a dozen vehicles on Interstate 35, authorities said.
    — Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • After leaving he workplace, police said Bell later returned, pulled a gun and shot the man in the torso, seriously injuring him.
    — Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of injure

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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