blood-and-guts

adjective

ˈblə-dᵊn-ˈgəts How to pronounce blood-and-guts (audio)
Definition of blood-and-gutsnext
as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity a hockey team known for its blood-and-guts play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 blood-and-guts However, fighters in the UFC seem to get caught up in trying to appease the casuals who can only appreciate blood-and-guts wars. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2026 Dawn of the Dead's flood of blood-and-guts is among the most memorable in film history, if only for the unnaturally vivid shades of red. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025 Still, these sections lack the blood-and-guts tension of her interactions with her mother. — Madeline Leung Coleman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025 That realization elevates the film’s campy blood-and-guts from gore to gut-punch. — Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, WWD, 1 Dec. 2024 The striking contrast with everything heard earlier — not just the music but the blood-and-guts oratory — was bewildering, and in the midst of the temporary bewilderment, Melania emerged in her trim, bright-red skirt suit. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 Her sharp depictions of blood-and-guts nursing brimmed with acerbic opinions on topics ranging from the unpopularity of the British consul in Volos to inaccurate reporting by journalists who lacked Greek language skills. — Richard Byrne, The New Republic, 25 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blood-and-guts
  1. violent
  2. ferocious
  3. fierce
  4. furious
  5. turbulent
  6. rabid
Adjective
  • Firefighters in Spain admitted the fires were so fast and violent that they could not be tackled head on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Because of his previous felonies, though none for violent crimes, Pfister could now be defined as a habitual offender under Michigan law and faces prison.
    — Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of violent
Adjective
  • Emergency crews are still scrambling to contain ferocious blazes in Spain and France, where authorities have warned wildfires could burn for several months before they are fully extinguished.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • One is among the most ferocious forces in the sport, a bona fide ace who is must-see TV.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of ferocious
Adjective
  • This video shows firefighters battling fierce flames ripping through vegetation, propelled, in part, by strong gusts of wind.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Liverpool were trailing 2-1 early in the second half when the midfielder chested the ball down just outside the box and unleashed a fierce strike past Melker Ellborg.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • Prince William is reportedly very upset by these reports, with the National Examiner reporting that William is furious about Harry and Meghan’s reported desire to collaborate with Netflix on a documentary.
    — StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
  • Her father, furious over her job and gender identity, kicked her out.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of furious
Adjective
  • In relation to this turbulent time, Venice has never shied away from showing difficult films.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 July 2026
  • Yoshida inherited the program during one of the most turbulent periods in college athletics.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of turbulent
Adjective
  • The history, the rabid fans, and of course, this particular group led by Brunson winning the first title in 53 years, has electrified the city more than the Nets have.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026
  • Across their four albums, the group has cultivated a rabid fan base dedicated to their brand of experimental rock.
    — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of rabid

Browse Nearby Words

blood
blood-and-guts
bloodbath
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blood-and-guts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blood-and-guts. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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