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Synonyms

blood-and-guts

American  
[bluhd-n-guhts] / ˈblʌd nˈgʌts /

adjective

  1. dealing with or depicting war or violence, especially in a lurid manner.

    a blood-and-guts movie.

  2. concerned with fundamental needs, problems, values, etc..

    The blood-and-guts issues will determine the election.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It’s clear Roth was aiming for a blood-and-guts tour de force, which this both is and isn’t.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

Armiliato’s conducting was notable for bringing out the score’s dynamic range; much of this orchestral performance was subtle and delicate, rather than the blaring blood-and-guts that is still the verismo stereotype.

From New York Times ● Jan. 1, 2023

All the squidgy toys and soft baby blankets and consumable cuteness is a huge denial of the blood-and-guts experience of birth.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 13, 2018

His blood-and-guts style made fans associate him with Maryland greats; “clearly Dez Wells has set a standard for hard work and work ethic,” Warren said.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 22, 2016

A woman—presumably Chip’s mom—said unhappily, “You always have to watch the blood-and-guts shows.”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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