bloodsuckers

plural of bloodsucker
1
as in parasites
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return the union accused the company executives of being bloodsuckers, since they had given themselves raises at a time when the rank and file were forced to take cuts in their benefits

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2
as in vampires
a person who habitually preys upon others a sleazy lawyer who had a reputation for being a shyster, an ambulance chaser, and an all-around bloodsucker

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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 bloodsuckers Ever since Bram Stoker popularized Count Dracula as a gothic figure of fantasy, the word vampire has been synonymous with undead bloodsuckers who vanish in a puff of smoke in the morning light (if not dazzle a little in the sunshine). — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 These bloodsuckers can carry several potentially severe diseases, and shifting species ranges mean Lake County has a growing variety of ticks, said county Health Department Ecological Services Program Coordinator Alana Bartolai. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 The phrase has its own meaning within Anne Rice’s lush, grandiose world of bloodsuckers and spell-casters as interpreted by creator and showrunner Rolin Jones. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 June 2026 As if dealing with fleas in your yard isn’t enough, these little bloodsuckers can infest your home, too. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 While Hollywood vampires—especially those in the Twilight series—have a devoted fan base, real-life bloodsuckers aren’t so adored. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 On the opening night of their juke joint in 1930s Mississippi, they are beset by a small band of vampires, intent on turning everyone inside into bloodsuckers. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026 But while the New Zealander won a Golden Globe for her portrayal in 2009, Paquin broke out long before Sookie was slinging drinks and slaying bloodsuckers. — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025 Oh, and a trio of baddie bloodsuckers from another coven are also interested in taking a bite. — Lincee Ray, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloodsuckers
Noun
  • These parasites primarily infest the eyes of cats and dogs but can sometimes make their way into human eyes inadvertently.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Without the ecological check of microbial parasites, humans proliferated.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Many Orlando-area homes feature skeletons that tower over the neighborhood, witchy covens, horror movie icons, clowns, pirate ships, pumpkins, zombies and vampires.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • It is nearly considered folkloric, with contemporary vampires still mirroring the characteristics of Polidori’s Ruthven.
    — Maria Papadouris, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The male of the species remains alone with the eggs and fights off predators until his body gives out, at which point his flesh becomes the hatchlings’ first food.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • With few predators in these new habitats, a single fish can produce more than 2 million eggs a year.
    — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bloodsuckers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloodsuckers. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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