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
If the intention is to end the war, then the war will end with Hamas bloodied but unbowed. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025 That shooting was part of an all-out vicious gang war that left rivals and residents wounded and bloodied, and parents and children ducking for cover, officials said. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 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
  • If convicted, Mangione will have solidified a fateful decision to give in to murderous impulses and thrown away a promising future, totally ruining his own life.
    Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
  • More than anything else, what distinguishes the show is the genuine warmth of the relationships within this murderous crime family.
    Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Moon dust plagued astronauts and spacecraft during NASA’s Apollo program in the mid-20th century, as the fine and abrasive material damaged camera lenses and visors, according to NASA.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Displays of authenticity, executed improperly, can damage reputations and even derail careers.
    Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The biographical circumstances and the reddish tinge of the foremost prisoner’s hair have led commentators to interpret the image metaphorically, even solipsistically––the prisoner becomes a cipher for van Gogh, physically and psychologically incarcerated.
    Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Inside the remnants of workshops, the archaeologists recovered an amphora containing yellow ocher and small jars filled with reddish pigments like realgar and red ocher.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • His final season was marred by a shoulder injury and insufficient QB play, but Loveland still led the Wolverines in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving TDs (five).
    Eddie Brown, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The election took place seven months earlier than originally planned after Scholz’s unpopular coalition collapsed in November, three years into a term that was increasingly marred by infighting.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2025
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
Adjective
  • England’s Champions Trophy campaign finally came to a brutal end when they were beaten by South Africa in Karachi by seven wickets with almost 21 overs to spare.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The free chow was served daily, except on Fridays, and continued through a brutal period of industrywide cost-cutting that persists to this day.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And in February, a driver plowed into a protest group in Munich injuring at least 28 people.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the two people killed, 10 people were injured, five seriously, Mannheim police said in a statement.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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