1
as in parasites
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
the union accused the company executives of being bloodsuckers, since they had given themselves raises at a time when the rank and file were forced to take cuts in their benefits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vampires
a person who habitually preys upon others
a sleazy lawyer who had a reputation for being a shyster, an ambulance chaser, and an all-around bloodsucker
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bloodsuckers
The phrase has its own meaning within Anne Rice’s lush, grandiose world of bloodsuckers and spell-casters as interpreted by creator and showrunner Rolin Jones.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
As if dealing with fleas in your yard isn’t enough, these little bloodsuckers can infest your home, too.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
While Hollywood vampires—especially those in the Twilight series—have a devoted fan base, real-life bloodsuckers aren’t so adored.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
On the opening night of their juke joint in 1930s Mississippi, they are beset by a small band of vampires, intent on turning everyone inside into bloodsuckers.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Oh, and a trio of baddie bloodsuckers from another coven are also interested in taking a bite.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
This Reagan-era standout brought the over-the-top gore but also plenty of camp in a coming-of-age story with teens becoming bloodsuckers.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Maine overrun by the bloodsuckers.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024
Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026
As if dealing with fleas in your yard isn’t enough, these little bloodsuckers can infest your home, too.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
While Hollywood vampires—especially those in the Twilight series—have a devoted fan base, real-life bloodsuckers aren’t so adored.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
On the opening night of their juke joint in 1930s Mississippi, they are beset by a small band of vampires, intent on turning everyone inside into bloodsuckers.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Oh, and a trio of baddie bloodsuckers from another coven are also interested in taking a bite.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
This Reagan-era standout brought the over-the-top gore but also plenty of camp in a coming-of-age story with teens becoming bloodsuckers.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Maine overrun by the bloodsuckers.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloodsuckers
Noun
-
The parasites prefer humid areas where temperatures are at least 77 F (25 C), and those days are increasing further north.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
-
Many arrived underweight, with skin issues, extensive fur loss (suspected to be from being exposed to the weather and outdoor elements) and significant external and internal parasites.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Who knew vampires made such a good metaphor for America’s worst excesses?—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Lestat justifies his, uh, connection with Gabriella by arguing that vampires transcend petty human concepts like conventional morality.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The Dinosaur Science Show, which brings audiences face-to-face with a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex while exploring the science behind Earth's most legendary predators.—
Alysia Burgio,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
If the snake population continues to decline, this could have harmful effects on the ecosystem, as snakes are both intermediate and apex predators, serving as both predator and prey.—
Carson Bonner,
AJC.com,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bloodsuckers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloodsuckers. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
