BAD BLOOD Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

bad blood

noun

Definition of bad blood

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will there's been bad blood between the two families for years

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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 bad blood The boos had no real bad blood behind it, but the energy was enough for the veteran point guard to come away in awe. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 Some of the competing teams have a history of bad blood between their fans. — Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 As the New York Knicks enjoyed a wild comeback at Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, fellow fans Taylor Swift and Kylie Jenner confirmed there’s no bad blood between them with a now-viral moment. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 June 2026 But the biggest storyline entering fight week is the growing bad blood between UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria and Interim Champion Justin Gaethje. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bad blood

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bad blood

Noun

Renewed hostilities in the Persian Gulf also complicate the resumption of refining in the Middle East.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
However, Democratic lawmakers have denounced the resumption of the Iran war and the return to active hostilities, despite the interim cease-fire agreement signed June 17.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.

— Eleanor Nash July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Within the first 10 minutes of the match on Monday, which was also the anniversary of that game, the Mexican fans reminded the world of their 12-year grudge against the Oranje.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026

Definition of grudge

Noun

Yet, in a surprising departure from the real-life Caroline’s historical hatred of Native Americans, this version of the character ultimately befriends White Sun and teaches Good Eagle.

— Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
For some unapologetic antisemites like Fuentes, there’s ample evidence of blatant anti-Jewish hatred on display.

— Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

Mexican Americans have long risen up to defend ourselves and defy our haters, but there’s usually an underlying strain of bitterness and anger that kneecaps us at the worst possible moments.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Tens of thousands continue to come each year, yet no widespread anger or bitterness grows.

— Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026

Definition of bitterness

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bad

bad blood

baddie

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“Bad blood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bad%20blood. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bad blood

noun

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