SANGUINEOUS Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

sanguineous

adjective

san-ˈgwi-nē-əs

Definition of sanguineous

as in murderous

eager for or marked by the shedding of blood, extreme violence, or killing in the sanguineous culture of ancient Sparta, military glory was prized above all else

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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 sanguineous The viral TikTok dance sensation inspired by Wednesday star Jenny Ortega’s quirky moves that is set to the sanguineous 2011 Lady Gaga song has blown up so big that even Mother Monster couldn’t resist throwing her black veil into the ring. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanguineous

Adjective

Then came Hamas’ murderous invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, and the even more murderous Israeli invasion of Gaza, which triggered protests and encampments on college campuses from Mexico to Australia.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026
In Furious, Lola Petticrew’s Catherine Grace is a woman on a murderous mission.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of murderous

Adjective

Khomeini’s decision turned it into a six-year war of attrition that killed hundreds of thousands, one of the bloodiest conflicts in the region’s modern history.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
In early 2026, satellite images revealed Akinci drones deployed in southern Egypt for executing strikes against the Rapid Support Forces fighting in the bloody civil war in neighboring Sudan.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bloody

Adjective

Cole, who has to maneuver his way around 20 savage crew members, each of whom will need to be killed, doesn’t waste a homicidal movement.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
The savage battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa had already demonstrated the ferocity with which Japanese forces would defend their homeland.

— James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of savage

Adjective

Or some other colorful character in some other sanguinary chamber with some other lethal weapon?

— John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 16 Mar. 2026
In a series of sanguinary close-ups, Elvira takes a cleaver to her digits, first slicing them and then fully dismembering them.

— Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025

Definition of sanguinary

Adjective

Their arrival comes during a violent week in Haiti; at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped, according to Haitian officials.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Karilyn Orr, an internal safety and prevention specialist in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, and Nick Jakubisin, a special agent in the Illinois State Police’s violent crimes unit, joined Hills in the presentation.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

That was the last time Tamang saw Yangri, who was whisked away by ferocious flash floods that ripped through this part of the Himalayan nation earlier this week.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
The run game of Agoura is ferocious and experienced, but Westlake’s QB play is better.

— Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

Within a span of four months in Fort Worth last year, Watkins and Snellings were killed in similarly brutal attacks in the Near Southside and Historic Southside sections of the city.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Even so, when investor confidence broke in 1997, the adjustment was swift and brutal.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of brutal

Browse Nearby Words

sanguineness

sanguineous

sanguinity

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

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Synonyms of sanguineous

adjective

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