as in bloody
smeared or stained with blood doesn't watch too many movies that feature gory violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective gory contrast with its synonyms?

The words bloody and sanguinary are common synonyms of gory. While all three words mean "affected by or involving the shedding of blood," gory suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter.

exceptionally gory, even for a horror movie

Where would bloody be a reasonable alternative to gory?

Although the words bloody and gory have much in common, bloody is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood.

bloody hands

When might sanguinary be a better fit than gory?

In some situations, the words sanguinary and gory are roughly equivalent. 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 gory While the obvious draw to the film is campy, gory coyote action, the couple is effusive about each other’s ability to pull off heavier moments during the family’s arc. William Earl, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 Many times, Pete is the one keeping Ray going and avoiding a gory fate. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025 Most allow some violent content but place restrictions on especially gory and bloody videos and restrict such content from younger users. Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025 Over the past 20 years of Black List darlings and Edgar Wright rip-offs, the American film industry has established a new archetype of cinema filled with quippy antiheroes, gory allegories for domestic strife, and character actors rattling off reference humor. Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gory
Adjective
  • Africa’s transformation proved far bloodier than many had hoped, yet Mamdani still insists that the continent’s independence leaders have something to teach the world.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The film had its world premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of its Midnight Madness section, which is largely home to bloody horror and wildly NSFW fare.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And there is no free-agent catcher who would look better in red pinstripes than him.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • To truly experience its peaceful side, travelers should plan trips during the off-season, when the red rocks glow just as brightly — but the crowds are far fewer.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gory. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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