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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bloodsuckers
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
Oh, and a trio of baddie bloodsuckers from another coven are also interested in taking a bite.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
This Reagan-era standout brought the over-the-top gore but also plenty of camp in a coming-of-age story with teens becoming bloodsuckers.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Maine overrun by the bloodsuckers.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024
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
Oh, and a trio of baddie bloodsuckers from another coven are also interested in taking a bite.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
This Reagan-era standout brought the over-the-top gore but also plenty of camp in a coming-of-age story with teens becoming bloodsuckers.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
Maine overrun by the bloodsuckers.
—Dan Heching, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bloodsuckers
Noun
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While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Florida Museum of Natural History notes that the pythons have also introduced harmful non-native parasites to Florida and reduced medium-sized mammal populations by more than 90%, significantly changing the Everglades ecosystem.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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By the final showdown, the production has made use of every bit of stage space, with sensational flying sequences (choreographed by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant) that allow the vampires to float, hover, and—in one especially intense moment—dive from that bridge.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
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Beyond that, non-phantom, non-Dracula vampires aren’t terribly over-exposed in the Broadway genre.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Since arriving, the snakes have become top predators in the ecosystem and are severely reducing native mammal populations.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
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These snakes have become top predators in the ecosystem and are severely reducing native mammal populations.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bloodsuckers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bloodsuckers. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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