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
For example, at Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre, centurion Marcus Aurelius Nepos tells about England’s bloody combat history at the spot. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, 30 June 2017 Collapsing the roof isn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing, either—our experience involved about three minutes, two swearing fits, and at least one bloody knuckle. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 30 June 2017
Verb
Iran quickly retaliated, setting off six days of exchanges that has left Iran and Israel bloodied. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Trump’s ear was bloodied last year by a would-be assassin’s bullet in Pennsylvania. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody
Adjective
  • In between walking red carpets and attending charity events together, the pair welcomed two children, daughters Evangeline Ruth and Elijah.
    Ellie Beeck, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2023
  • Unusually, its tan Connolly leather interior is contrasted with red carpets.
    Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, 5 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • So, the whole thing just seems naive from people who’ve been oppressed by this murderous regime for 46 years.
    Fiction Non Fiction July 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025
  • Memphis, at present, ranks in the top five of America's most murderous cities.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • Anything that damages the trust between the vendor, Microsoft, and the user is as much a threat as the hackers themselves, in my never humble opinion.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rhubarb is a vegetable that grows in tall reddish stalks topped by big broad leaves.
    Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Stalks emerge reddish brown in spring, maturing into rich hues of gold and buff in fall.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The last weekend of June in Indianapolis was marred by a rash of shootings that left seven dead and nine others injured.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 30 June 2025
  • The Mets go the way of Francisco Lindor, and he’s been marred in his own slump this month.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The ensuing action is gory and frightening — and even Wong got a little spooked by Hawkins.
    Eric Andersson, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • Watch out for the brutal violence peppered throughout this journey across three eras, though, as this may be the series' goriest entry yet.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The mini tubs are portable, mess-free, and endlessly useful, especially on long flights where dry cabin air can be brutal.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Read more: 49ers Reveal Significant Injury Update on Brandon Aiyuk Ahead of his first season as the Vikings' starter, McCarthy has been hit with a brutal prediction.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Juan Duran, and his wife, no name given, wait outside of Glass House Farms, where a relative was injured during a previous day immigration raid, on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Camarillo, Calif.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • Three people were injured after being struck by lightning in a popular summer beach getaway town on Saturday night.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 19 Jul. 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!