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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bad blood Despite the lineup change, Ferrer said there was no bad blood. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 Her involvement in the legal battle is rumored to have sparked bad blood between the two women. — Michael Nied, InStyle, 4 July 2026 No amount of bad blood could stop them from seeing this love story play out. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026 There’s no bad blood, though, with both offering nothing but good words to say about each other and wishing each other luck moving forward. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bad blood

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bad blood

Noun

Examining the harder chapters of our history is not the same as hostility toward America.

— Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 21 July 2026
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 14 to halt hostilities, prompting gas to fall back below $4 a few days later.

— Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Christian, convinced a nobleman had done it, had the man executed without much proof, a grudge that helped cost him his crown a few years later.

— Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Lynn Rogers, who served as Kelly’s first lieutenant governor and was later appointed state treasurer, said Lawrence is somebody who holds onto grudges.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of grudge

Noun

Yet the hatred of Dulles—so absolute in its consensus—reminds me of other ways in which our culture has hardened.

— Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026
Please try to keep your red-state hatreds and prejudices confined within your borders, and leave the rest of us in peace.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.

— Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of bitterness

Browse Nearby Words

bad

bad blood

baddie

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bad blood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bad%20blood. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bad blood

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

colloquial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes