Definition of vividnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivid differ from other similar words?

The words graphic and picturesque are common synonyms of vivid. While all three words mean "giving a clear visual impression in words," vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

In what contexts can graphic take the place of vivid?

In some situations, the words graphic and vivid are roughly equivalent. However, graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

When can picturesque be used instead of vivid?

The meanings of picturesque and vivid largely overlap; however, 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

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 vivid Featuring more than 300 photographs and archival images, the book offers a vivid visual journey through Atlanta’s evolution. — AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026 The teen paired the vivid knee-length tresses with ultra-bleached white eyebrows and icy blue contacts, mirroring her dad’s blue contacts at the 2016 Met Gala. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026 For some students, those memories are more vivid than for others! — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2026 The victory that night seemed to go well beyond the electoral conquest; one of the defining cultural legacies of the 2024 election cycle is the imprecise but vivid concept of the manosphere. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivid
Adjective
  • The legendary graphic designer Tibor Kalman (who created Colors magazine) designed a collection of watches in the nineties that are now being reissued as they were originally produced, by M & Co Labs ($250).
    — Nicholas Blechman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The brand has grown from its original offering of signature hats and graphic tees into outerwear, denim and a full women’s range.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Fortunately, plenty of new high-tech tools offer assistance, including robot guide dogs, a cane-bot (looking a bit like a small R2D2 with giant wheels), multiple types of smart glasses with descriptive audio, and even a haptic vest for blind dogs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The descriptive names of full moons originate from various cultures and are usually based on seasonal changes, natural events, and human activities.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The town is framed by the picturesque sandstone cursive of Comb Ridge, the stone spires of Monument Valley peeking over the ridgeline.
    — Adam Burke, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Ji-hyun pities Nakano, but maintains boundaries between them even after the two go to South Korea to visit Ji-hyun’s warm and supportive family at their picturesque restaurant by the sea.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • New materials, colors and finishes, including a California-specific fabric and color scheme, further distinguish the camper van's interior look and feel from the rest of the Volkswagen van lineup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Georgiev-Remmel told the court there was no specific date set to carry out any removals.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • If a small team can build something playable and expressive enough to assess earlier, the expensive decisions can come later, when there is a much better sense of what works.
    — Ben Feder, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Students and faculty shouldn’t have to finance years of litigation to enjoy the expressive freedoms their universities promise.
    — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivid. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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