bloody 1 of 2

bloody

2 of 2

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
In the end, McGovern included clips from early morning airport chaos, rain on the Hawaiian beaches, the aftermath of a bloody lip and plenty of screaming and crying. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 Amid the untold death and destruction that has ravaged the Gaza Strip for the past two years and continues to strike with little notice, one group is tasked with delivering Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners—alive and dead—across one of the bloodiest front lines on Earth. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Photos of the man shared with IndyStar show him on a hospital bed, bloodied, with a neck brace and a large gash on the left side of his face. IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025 Physics took care of the rest, and while knees and elbows were bloodied and egos were bruised, the ensuing spill may have worked in the league’s favor. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody
Adjective
  • Bongiovi wore a red, velvet suit with a skinny black tie to the premiere and the after-party.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • If a pilot experiences difficulties, pulling a red T-handle deploys the 2,400-square-foot parachute.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s plagued by murderous demons.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In Vincent Must Die, random strangers have suddenly started attacking Vincent with murderous intent.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just under two million Palestinians—virtually the entire population of Gaza—have been displaced since October 2023, many repeatedly, and Israeli forces have damaged or destroyed more than 90 percent of homes in the Strip.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This protection also works to protect plants that are marginally hardy in your area, such as hydrangeas blooming on old wood that may not bloom if their flower buds are damaged by cold.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The active ingredient in most sea moss supplements is Irish sea moss, a reddish seaweed incredibly rich in minerals.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The reddish-orange stone building looks like a giant Lego block pressed into the earth.
    Joe Baur, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Even now, plans are underway to determine how best to retire and deorbit the aging laboratory – which has been marred by air leaks and other issues – likely around 2030.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • International rights groups have criticized the electoral process which has been marred by low voter turnout, a night curfew and internet shutdown as protesters have taken to the streets of major cities for the third day since election day.
    Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The gory gag was a cheeky nod to Lloyd’s recent trend of ending his shows with his leading men nearly naked and slicked with stage blood.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Both the Death Note manga and this 37-episode adaptation are staggeringly original and deviously entertaining, a brilliant, gory dark comedy that fully capitalizes on its premise.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Recently, the vast majority have been coming from Sudan, embroiled in a brutal civil war which has displaced millions.
    Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Musically, Lee took on the air of a woman revealing intimate truths about herself one year at a time, shedding layers as a way of rewarding patience with honesty, no matter how brutal.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Across Japan, at least 13 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since April this year, according to government figures – the highest numbers since records began in 2006.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Four students and the Suburban's driver were transported to a local hospital, Murphy said, adding that the bus driver was not injured.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bloody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!