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
More News: Philadelphia Police Do 'Tush Push' During Eagles Super Bowl Parade Roseman was left bloodied after being struck in the forehead by a stray beer can during the team's Super Bowl parade. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 The final photograph, David Northall's 'Spiked,' shows a relentless honey badger doubling back to attack a porcupine that has left the badger bloodied and covered in large quills. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 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
  • Unusually, its tan Connolly leather interior is contrasted with red carpets.
    Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 5 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • The song is about a man who doesn’t appear to be murderous being the ultimate killer.
    Alan Light, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • That discomfort makes sense, as Pap returns to earth to let Juicy know his death was by Rev’s murderous hands, and the only way to avenge him is to make Juicy’s own hands a killing weapon.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Their son and daughter-in-law, Cameron Bott, 35, and his wife, Diana, 36, whose nearby home was damaged in the tornado, initiated a discussion about starting a GoFundMe to offset potential insurance shortfalls in rebuilding the gas station.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In total, mountain pine beetles have damaged about 5,600 acres of forest.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists analyzing the image said the area's distinctive reddish hue signals vast oxidation of sedimentary layers caused by extreme climate swings during the Triassic Period, when North America was still part of the supercontinent Pangaea.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Surrounding the galaxy’s bright core are swirling webs of dark, reddish dust and sparkling blue patches where new stars have formed.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dashboard was part of an extended pressure campaign from Buttigieg, who, during his tenure in the Biden administration, publicly challenged the major carriers to improve service and transparency—particularly after a summer marred by cancellations and flight delays.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, Delaney’s personal life has been marred by what appears to be a pretty entrenched drinking problem, which has affected her career and led to very un-Diane Russell-like brushes with the law, the Daily Mail and other outlets have reported.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Goosed by a couple gratuitous interludes of gory amateur surgery, the movie is eventful, with a high body count.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The gory mess of a limb that may never be usable again.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But graduating in 2009 meant stepping into a brutal job market during the Great Recession.
    William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Andrews adds musical interludes, which don’t always work, and brutal jokes, which do.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Terribly shaken, bursting into tears, but not injured.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • In Arkansas, officials reported that three people died and 29 others were injured following overnight storms.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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