picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling a picture : suggesting a painted scene

b

: charming or quaint in appearance

2

: evoking mental images : vivid

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun

Synonyms of picturesque

• vivid
• graphic
• descriptive

Choose the Right Synonym for picturesque

graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words.

graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm.

a picturesque account of his travels

Examples of picturesque in a Sentence

The view of the mountains was very picturesque.

wrote a picturesque tale of their journey across the country

Recent Examples on the Web

Written and produced by both artists along with Rafael Arcaute, Ily Wonder, MadMusick, Jonathan Rivera, and Richi López, the song is accompanied by a picturesque music video filmed in Medellín and directed by Stillz. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026

In a July 29 post to the social media platform, Minniear included snaps of himself and some picturesque locations, as well as a shot of Goulding lying nude in bed with her arm, side and thigh visible but face mostly obstructed. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

Considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the area, Crescent Bay Beach is perfect for those looking to spend all day laying out on the sand. —Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026

For example, lush landscaping surrounding homes may be picturesque — but in some cases, such vegetation can provide fuel for a fire. —David Gamboa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French & Italian; French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor, from pingere

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

picturesque

adjective

pic·​tur·​esque ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

1

a

: resembling or suitable for a painted picture

a picturesque landscape

b

: charming, quaint

picturesque customs

2

: calling forth a striking mental picture

a picturesque story

picturesquely adverb

picturesqueness noun