BAD BLOOD Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

bad blood

noun

Definition of bad blood

as in hostility

a deep-seated ill will there's been bad blood between the two families for years

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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 bad blood No documentary has yet screened a fight or anything particularly controversial, with the Walker-Guardiola row a very rare example of bad blood being aired publicly. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The woman said on Monday that there was no bad blood between her and Usher, but that her interests in the show lay elsewhere. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 July 2026 Between the franchises’ October clashes, dramatic home runs and lingering bad blood have turned nearly every meeting between the teams into must-watch television. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Some of that stems from the political relations between the two nations off the pitch, but much bad blood has also been developed by a string of controversial matches on it. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bad blood

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bad blood

Noun

Syrian families in Magdeburg are weighing whether to stay, as AfD campaign promises of faster deportations and tighter asylum limits deepen fears of hostility and exclusion.

— Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
This online abuse and hostility experienced by trans people in the UK is part of a broader picture of the UK becoming a hostile climate for trans people.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Phil Collins has let go of his decades-old grudge against Paul McCartney.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Most self-help books say anger and grudges are self-defeating — there’s that line everybody uses that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

— Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of grudge

Noun

With their feelings for each other blossoming, the two go out for dinner, which is full of Rushville patrons with lingering hatred for Hal.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Yasmin Soares, a Lula supporter, told Kahn that Bolsonaro's strong performance is scary and that the right brings hatred.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge or even a peanut butter flavor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of bitterness

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bad

bad blood

baddie

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“Bad blood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bad%20blood. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bad blood

noun

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