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

With food, festivals, shopping and nearby beaches, there was no better place for a cool summer celebration than in this picturesque town. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

On Washington’s picturesque Bainbridge Island, a contemporary waterfront residence takes the latter approach, embracing light, water, and the landscape as central elements of daily life. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

Stop by the museum center to see an impressive collection of more than 2,000 Green River Formation fossils, take a ride along the site's picturesque drive, or refuel with a picnic lunch. — Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026

Tour the Town Founded in 1837, alongside its namesake Presbyterian school, Davidson’s heart lies in its picturesque downtown, which sits just a block from the hum of collegiate life. — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 7 July 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