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
Here's how to watch the whole bloody affair of his films. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026 Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Iran’s security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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 During the aftermath, the film shows a brief shot of Harvey, who, after being knocked on his back, is shown with half of his face burned and bloodied as a result of the blast. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloody
Adjective
  • Granite comes in shades ranging from gray to red to blue to green and beyond.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The name comes from the Greek word phoinike, which is associated with the color purple and linked to the extremely valuable purple-red dye they were known to produce.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After the attack, authorities in New South Wales (NSW) drew a link between the mass shooting and pro-Palestinian protests held weekly since Israel launched retaliatory attacks on Hamas in Gaza for its murderous assault on Israelis on October 7, 2023.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026
  • This is about the population that is stuck between a murderous criminal mafia that has taken over the country and, on the other hand, Israel and the United States, who follow their own interests.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 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 result is a reddish-orange glow across the entire lunar surface.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Betelgeuse’s reddish tint can be spotted gleaming from the Orion constellation, situated about 650 light-years away from Earth.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The announcement comes as consumer demand for plug-in hybrids has slowed and federal support for electric powertrains has vanished, while, simultaneously, certain Stellantis 4xe vehicles have been marred by continuous recalls.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Their union was marred by affairs on both sides, perhaps most notably Charles’s ongoing affair with the former Camilla Parker Bowles (now Queen Camilla).
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The two roommates who were spared — Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke — encountered the gory scene the next morning.
    Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Terrifier 4 – In Theaters October Art the Clown is set to return in this fourth, and potentially final, installment of the ultra-gory slasher franchise, which promises to be a climactic showdown with major revelations about the series’ mythology.
    Robert Lang, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Between wading or boating into choppy surf, baking in the hot sun, and getting doused in salty spray, the elements are brutal on the human body and the gear meant to withstand them.
    Francesca Krempa, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Phạm Lockwood also spoke with Huan Nguyen, the sole survivor of a massacre of a South Vietnamese family in Saigon, a brutal attack allegedly orchestrated by Capt.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Córdoba, Spain — A commuter passenger train derailed in Gelida, near the Spanish city of Barcelona on Tuesday, killing the driver and injuring 37 people, a spokesperson for the regional government of Catalonia told CNN.
    Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Several people were injured during an altercation, police said, and Dallas Fire-Rescue took five victims to a hospital.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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