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

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
By the end of that first half hour, he has been unmasked as the bloody avenger of the backyard. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026 Five bikers have been indicted in connection to a bloody brawl between the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club and Demons of Hell Motorcycle Club that began at a funeral service on Long Island. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
The bench went nuts, of course, as Manning — whose lip had been bloodied on an earlier tackle — pointed toward the Texas section seated behind his bench and pounded his chest to its delight. Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Jan. 2026 In 2024, the stadium hosted the CONMEBOL Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, which nearly ended in tragedy after a massive wave of fans flooded the venue, leaving fans terrified and bloodied as security guards struggled to contain them. Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody
Adjective
  • While on the runway the dress was blue and black with a trompe-l’œil design, Robbie’s look leaned into more Victorian-era flourishes, with a laced strapless bodice and an onyx and scarlet red gradient petal skirt, striking colors which borrowed from other styles in the show.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The businesswoman was decked out in a red Carolina Herrera gown and had her makeup done for the occasion.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The whiteprint is irrefutable evidence of the Nazis’ murderous intent.
    Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Momoa’s irresponsible, endlessly chatty Jonny is first seen being dumped by his long-suffering girlfriend Valentina (Morena Baccarin) and is the kind of guy who quaffs a beer even while fighting off a gang of murderous yakuza.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Some government offices and financial institutions were damaged during the unrest, residents said, while merchants reported being ordered to reopen businesses despite ongoing security operations.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The gunfire damaged the car’s rear end, trunk, tail light and rear window louver, according to court documents.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The early days of measles are usually marked by common symptoms such as fever and cough; to the untrained eye, the virus’s rash can look like many of the reddish, patchy blemishes that many other pathogens cause.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Hard water is water that contains naturally occurring minerals that can cling to and stain porcelain surfaces (like your toilet bowl’s waterline), often with a reddish or brown tint.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Tempers flared during a recent pair of NBA games, and both contests were marred by tense clashes between players.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • To bring cameras into the equation might mar the authenticity of this pursuit.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The controversial French musical Emilia Pérez led the field; the indie dramas Anora and The Brutalist picked up several major nods, as did the gory horror satire The Substance; Anora took Best Picture.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Invincible is one of the best superhero shows on TV, blending intense and often gory action with smart plotting and character development, clever storytelling, a refreshingly earnest protagonist and an incredible cast.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Unrelenting cold in storm’s aftermath Last weekend’s historic winter storm and the brutal cold that followed have been blamed for at least 85 deaths in the US, the Associated Press reported.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Patrick Gary Schlegel, 34, of Sahuarita, was shot and critically injured, according to authorities.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Kevin De Bruyne got injured in October and hasn’t featured since.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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