bloody 1 of 2

Definition of bloodynext

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

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
The bloody conflict resulted in at least 700,000 deaths on both sides combined, and its impact has reverberated in subsequent centuries. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026 When the doors on her subway car were finally opened, Sheppard stepped out onto the platform and saw the bloody aftermath of the slashings and shooting. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
One agent was left bloodied by a rioter. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 2 Mar. 2026 While trying to duck under the very first beam in the very first challenge at the marooning, Bruce banged and bloodied his head, suffering a concussion. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bloody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody
Adjective
  • Democrats saw gains in red, blue and purple counties when compared to another judicial race last year, which was also won by the liberal candidate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The celebrated restaurant in the Roma Norte neighborhood is most famous for its whole red snapper painted in vibrant swaths of red chile and green parsley sauces, but the menu is filled with must-try seafood (like the impeccable tuna tostadas).
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Meantime, what Michigan has done lately - cruised on a murderous March march that humbled Arizona into submission into the national semifinal - does matter.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Many Iranians, both inside of Iran and in the international diaspora, adamantly support the efforts of the United States and Israel to defang the Iranian regime and topple its murderous leadership.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the plane ascended, someone threw a grenade at it, damaging a wing.
    Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • One of the vehicles apparently also slammed into the rear of a parked silver BMW, damaging it, as well.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • So too an equilateral triangle of bright stars; Procyon in Canis Minor, reddish Betelgeuse in Orion and Sirius in Canis Major.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Their spongy, reddish bark can grow to 2 feet thick.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • DeChambeau shot 76 on a day marred by a triple-bogey 7 on the 11th hole.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Wembanyama’s injury marred what was otherwise a red-letter day for the Spurs, who cemented the franchise’s eighth 60-win season one year after posting a 34-win campaign.
    Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In this promising but ultimately half-baked gory bit of business, a killer (Dacre Montgomery) restages scenes of torture and murder inspired by that film for his serial killing.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The atmosphere is perfect, with rusty metal, hanging chains, and dripping water providing a backdrop for a bunch of tense chase scenes and gory chest explosions.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Rachel is doing her best to be supportive as Ian is desperate to learn if his ex-wife, Wahionaweh, and their son, Swiftest of Lizards, survived the brutal massacre of their village and so many others.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
  • On the thermal side, flat-wire coils and cooling fins reduce energy losses and help the motor hold its peak output longer on brutal climbs, rather than quietly throttling back when things get hot.
    Omar Kardoudi April 10, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When a Lake Dallas home exploded last month, critically injuring a woman inside, investigators said natural gas from a leaking pipe fueled the blast.
    Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • There have also been calls when people have been injured from an accident with a horse and the animal is not secured.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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