bloodcurdling

adjective

Definition of bloodcurdlingnext
as in gruesome
causing great horror or fear We heard bloodcurdling stories about the war. bloodcurdling screams

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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 bloodcurdling Bahm’s somewhat-frantic conversation with the dispatcher abruptly turned into bloodcurdling screams. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 India’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh, is run by Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk who founded an anti-Muslim militia and whose bloodcurdling rhetoric against Muslims once placed him beyond the pale of high office. — Sadanand Dhume, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021 The sounds of more explosions could be heard deriving from the outside amid more seemingly bloodcurdling screams, yells, sirens and alarms. — Sean Lester Durham, The Root, 8 Apr. 2018 To me, a noose is merely a noose — not a bloodcurdling symbol of racist violence. — Kevin Riordan, Philly.com, 1 Nov. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloodcurdling
  1. gruesome
  2. horrific
  3. scary
  4. frightening
  5. terrifying
  6. terrific
  7. shocking
  8. horrible
Adjective
  • In 1987, the United Klans of America was ordered to pay $7 million for the gruesome 1981 murder of Michael Donald, a Black teenager whose body was found hanging from a tree in Mobile, Alabama.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Her credits include Obi-Wan, Rebel Moon and The Orville, as well as the gruesome culinary creations of Grotesquerie and drinkable blood for American Horror Story.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of gruesome
Adjective
  • The chilling new detail about Jesus Acosta’s horrific spree was revealed at the 31-year-old ex-con’s arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court late Sunday, where he was ordered held without bail for the two cold-blooded shootings.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Then there is the horrific crash on the McHenry County side of the Fox River, where on July 25 Alan Telmini and Magdalena Jablonska, both from Des Plaines, were cruising the river south of the McHenry Dam.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of horrific
Adjective
  • The scariest part is how little of this chemical can cause such severe damage.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • These changes can sound scary, but preparation and knowledge are key to keeping your hair healthy.
    — Sarah Madaus, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • The thoughts that accompany these conditions can be alarming and frightening, making many women reluctant to talk about them or seek help.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • Equally jubilant and terrifying, his size brings both John and Jim Ross to this mythic quality.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • He is described as a terrifying figure but also one who is learned and devoted to Shiva.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrific
Adjective
  • In front of adoring fans in Shanghai, the UFC veteran and perennial contender in the UFC bantamweight division scored a shocking upset win over Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event on Saturday.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The August nonfarm payrolls report that releases Friday will be coming off a low set of expectations, given the shocking loss of jobs in July.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • Anne Hathaway is a leftist, woke, horrible choice for DAYS OF THUNDER NASCAR audience who are MAGA.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
  • These two rubber bands in our throat are affected by everything from hormones to psychology to a bad day to a horrible night’s sleep to the sniffles or whatever.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

blood brothers
bloodcurdling
blooded
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Cite this Entry

“Bloodcurdling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloodcurdling. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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