bloody 1 of 2

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
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
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Overall, their colors vary from light brown to dark brown to reddish brown to almost black, photos show.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • Start in the city of Cheyenne for some history about cowboys and railroads, then wind through Medicine Bow National Forest for rock climbing or a hike among the reddish igneous rock formations of Vedauwoo.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 11 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
  • The Yankees’ brutal offensive malaise stretched past a point anybody could have foreseen with a 1-0, 11-inning loss Monday night.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • Late-stage valuations are inflating again, even as early-stage founders face a brutal fundraising climate.
    Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 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
  • Among those injured was an infant and a 14-year-old girl, according to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
    Natalya Kushnir, ABC News, 7 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloody. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bloody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!