bloody 1 of 2

bloody

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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
While lying bloodied in the middle of the ring, a hapless Rhodes was slapped by Scott in the face. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2025 At another point, he is forcefully yanked from the bed by his shirt collar and held up above the ground, his face visibly bloodied. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 5 May 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
  • Music’s biggest night returns to Los Angeles on Sunday, and along with it, one of Hollywood’s grandest red carpets.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Still, there are at least a few memorable set-pieces, most notably a funeral interrupted by the deceased’s rejuvenated, murderous mom who subsequently climbs into the coffin for one combustible family reunion.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
  • The hotly anticipated and buzzy continuation of the preeminently popular dystopian YA series follows 2023’s entry The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, led by Rachel Zegler in a prequel that told the story of the 10th edition of the murderous arena.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Her older brother, a successful economist, and her sister, a government lawyer, have repeatedly warned her that her outspokenness could damage not only her career but theirs.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over the later part of the weekend, North Texans could see a reddish orange sky from the dust.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
  • Above the strike is a reddish phenomenon known as a sprite, which sometimes occurs in the atmosphere between 50 and 90 km above a lightning strike near the surface of the planet.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Graffiti marred the exterior of City Hall, an Art Deco landmark built in 1928.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • Signed in 2023 from Fenerbahce in his homeland, Guler’s debut season was marred by injuries.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Final Destination 3: Shot with a nail gun One of Final Destination's goriest kills comes in a hardware store where Ian (Kris Lemche) and his girlfriend Erin (Alexz Johnson) work.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Here lies the brutal dilemma of change: Leaders see systems; people feel emotions.
    Sahar Andrade, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • As the state on Thursday summed up the brutal details that made up the prosecution’s case, a relative walked out of the courtroom with a loud scream, causing Petrone to tell the jury to ignore the outburst.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Federal officials said one immigration agent was injured when a rock shattered his vehicle’s windshield, and the U.S. Marshals Service reported arrests for obstructing operations, according to the Times.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
  • Officials said 15 people between the ages of 25 and 88 were injured with burns.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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