Synonyms of gory

gory

adjective

ˈgȯr-ē 

as in bloody

smeared or stained with blood

doesn't watch too many movies that feature gory violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bloody
• red
• reddish
• bloodstained
• crimson
• ruby
• carmine
• sanguinary
• sanguineous
• bloodred
• sanguine
• incarnadine

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of gory

This is a gory movie that doesn’t make for easy viewing, so maybe watch on an empty stomach. —Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025

Some genres may be extremely violent and gory, so parents may want to consider supervising their children's viewing of films or avoid them altogether. —PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025

The birthing scene in episode 11 was the most accurate, gory, and riveting fictional depiction of childbirth in television history, in my opinion. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 2025

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