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
At another point, he is forcefully yanked from the bed by his shirt collar and held up above the ground, his face visibly bloodied. Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024 On filming with that animatronic alligator and unwittingly continuing a Will Ferrell trend Jim wrestles the alligator himself after realizing that his plan is a terrible idea, getting battered and bloodied before eventually throwing it out the window. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 31 Jan. 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
  • The section has also added French director Cardona’s No One Will Know, a huit clos in which the clients and bar staff of a shabby cafe outside Paris enter into a murderous pact when an elderly regular comes in and wins big in the lottery.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
  • All this was condoned when not encouraged or even led by local and state officials, who funded murderous militias.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sudden kicks, jumps, tackles, and awkward leg movements can damage groin muscles.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists analyzing the image said the area's distinctive reddish hue signals vast oxidation of sedimentary layers caused by extreme climate swings during the Triassic Period, when North America was still part of the supercontinent Pangaea.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Surrounding the galaxy’s bright core are swirling webs of dark, reddish dust and sparkling blue patches where new stars have formed.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His rookie season was marred by an uneven second half, which was hindered by hand and foot injuries.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2025
  • His final collegiate season was marred by a shoulder injury and insufficient QB play, but Loveland still led the Wolverines in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving TDs (five).
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Goosed by a couple gratuitous interludes of gory amateur surgery, the movie is eventful, with a high body count.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The gory mess of a limb that may never be usable again.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But graduating in 2009 meant stepping into a brutal job market during the Great Recession.
    William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Andrews adds musical interludes, which don’t always work, and brutal jokes, which do.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The spill killed 11 people and injured 17 others as 210 million gallons of crude oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico (recently renamed by the U.S. government as Gulf of America) for a total of 87 days.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Memorial at Florida State University after a fatal shooting killed two people and injured several others.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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