as in murderous
eager for or marked by the shedding of blood, extreme violence, or killing
a movie so sanguinary that I covered my eyes during at least half of it
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sanguinary
Mass shootings scarcely register anymore, unless the death toll reaches a certain sanguinary level.
—
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
Michael Modafferi Lawmakers and order Yonkers: How many more innocents will be murdered, mugged and mauled by sanguinary, recidivist thugs and mentally ill individuals, none of whom belong unfettered on the streets of New York City and state, before the left-wing Democrats restore law and order?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2024
An appeal to force was an admission of failure, and the pride of the new nation was the sense of overcoming the sanguinary reflexes of the old world.
—TIME, 31 Jan. 2024
That battle would send Bonaparte on a dizzying journey up — and down and up and down — the greasy pole of French politics and military promotions, and it’s staged by Scott with sanguinary detail: Blood will spurt, spray and splatter throughout the battles that made him and undid him.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sanguinary
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
Michael Modafferi Lawmakers and order Yonkers: How many more innocents will be murdered, mugged and mauled by sanguinary, recidivist thugs and mentally ill individuals, none of whom belong unfettered on the streets of New York City and state, before the left-wing Democrats restore law and order?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2024
An appeal to force was an admission of failure, and the pride of the new nation was the sense of overcoming the sanguinary reflexes of the old world.
—TIME, 31 Jan. 2024
That battle would send Bonaparte on a dizzying journey up — and down and up and down — the greasy pole of French politics and military promotions, and it’s staged by Scott with sanguinary detail: Blood will spurt, spray and splatter throughout the battles that made him and undid him.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for sanguinary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanguinary
Adjective
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After a competitive bidding situation that unfolded over the past few months, A24 has landed rights to the next take on the horror franchise that dates back to 1974’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which introduced the world to Leatherface and his murderous family.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
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His autopsy revealed extensive damage to the white matter of his brain thought to be related to a traumatic brain injury, which some neurologists proposed may have played a role in his murderous actions.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In response, her government unleashed a brutal and bloody crackdown that only galvanized the movement and brought more people onto the streets.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Disney and 20th Century’s bloody comedy-thriller, which follows a dorky, survival-savvy employee (Rachel McAdams) and her douchey younger boss (Dylan O’Brien) who become stranded together on a remote island, should add $9 million to $10 million by Sunday for a total domestic gross of $34 million.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Today Iranians are mourning thousands of their fellow citizens who were massacred during savage crackdowns on recent protests in Iran.—
Ramin Jahanbegloo,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sons of Anarchy was praised for its stellar writing, operatic plotting, and cast of actors who breathed vivid life into their characters, giving even the most savage moments a dose of humanity.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On one of the coldest days of the year, a brutal winter storm left a cat on the brink of disaster — until a hero stepped in.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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Iranian authorities responded by launching a brutal crackdown on protests, according to observers.—
Kevin Shalvey,
ABC News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Now polling suggests the public, and even Republican leaders in Congress, have stopped buying the White House’s claims that federal agents’ paramilitary-style raids only target violent criminals.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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The takeover of the arts is less violent and a bit more insidious, but just as dangerous in its own right.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanguinary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanguinary. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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