Synonyms of gory

gory

adjective

ˈgȯr-ē 

as in bloody

smeared or stained with blood

doesn't watch too many movies that feature gory violence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bloody
• red
• reddish
• bloodstained
• crimson
• ruby
• carmine
• sanguinary
• sanguineous
• bloodred
• sanguine
• incarnadine

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gory contrast with its synonyms?

The words bloody and sanguinary are common synonyms of gory. While all three words mean "affected by or involving the shedding of blood," gory suggests a profusion of blood and slaughter.

exceptionally gory, even for a horror movie

Where would bloody be a reasonable alternative to gory?

Although the words bloody and gory have much in common, bloody is applied especially to things that are actually covered with blood or are made up of blood.

bloody hands

When might sanguinary be a better fit than gory?

In some situations, the words sanguinary and gory are roughly equivalent. However, sanguinary applies especially to something attended by, or someone inclined to, bloodshed.

the Civil War was America's most sanguinary conflict

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gory

Less to be gory and more to be like, ‘Oh, these things do the most blunt version of whatever their mission is. —Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Some of Cregger’s swings between straight-up horror, missing children mystery and deliriously gory comedy may lead to mass audience whiplash. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 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

The ensuing action is gory and frightening — and even Wong got a little spooked by Hawkins. —Eric Andersson, People.com, 31 May 2025