graphic

adjective

graph·​ic ˈgra-fik 

variants or less commonly graphical

ˈgra-fi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to the pictorial arts

also : pictorial

b

: of, relating to, or involving such reproductive methods as those of engraving, etching, lithography, photography, serigraphy, and woodcut

c

: of or relating to the art of printing see also graphic design

d

often graphical mathematics : relating or according to graphics (see graphic entry 2 sense 3b)

a graphical/graphic representation of a cube

e

often graphical : relating to or consisting of images or video displayed on the screen of a computer or other digital device

a graphical interface

Users can record a computer screen, import graphic elements, … and export … videos …

—boingboing.net

2

: formed by writing, drawing, or engraving

graphic inscriptions

3

usually graphic

a

: vividly or plainly shown or described

a graphic sex scene

b

: using offensive or obscene words : including swear words

… used graphic language on camera and then abruptly ended the impromptu press conference. The vulgarity made headlines.

—Michael Martinez

c

: marked by clear lifelike or vividly realistic description

… its most graphic and beautiful stanzas …

—John Livingston Lowes

4

usually graphical : of, relating to, or represented by a graph

5

: of or relating to the written or printed word or the symbols or devices used in writing or printing to represent sound or convey meaning

the graphic symbols of the ancient Egyptians

graphically

ˈgra-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

graphicness

ˈgra-fik-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of graphic

• vivid
• descriptive
• visual
• specific

Choose the Right Synonym for graphic

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 graphic in a Sentence

the report offered many graphic details about the devastating earthquake that rocked the area

got a degree in graphic design

Recent Examples on the Web

Buchanan Studio’s signature Studio Stripe—a wide, graphic band screen-printed onto heavyweight Belgian linen—and its cotton velvets speak to impactful, sensual interiors. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 June 2026

Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 2 June 2026

There are almost 30 to choose from, including 10 versions of a graphic floral print reimagined in bright, contrasting hues. —Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Spanish graphic designer, illustrator and sculptor, Peret, sketched the brand’s first logo, while architect Tonet Sunyer designed the first Desigual store in Ibiza’s port in 1986, a moment the brand is now celebrating 40 years later. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 3c

Phrases Containing graphic

• graphic arts
• graphic design
• graphic equalizer
• graphic novel

Rhymes for graphic

• graphic
• traffic
• angiographic
• choreographic
• chromatographic
• iconographic
• ideographic
• idiographic
• autographic
• biographic
• calligraphic
• cartographic

Kids Definition

graphic

1 of 2 adjective

graph·​ic ˈgraf-ik 

variants also graphical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or being arts such as painting, engraving, printing, or photography

2

: of, relating to, or represented by a graph

3

: clearly and impressively told or described

graphically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

graphic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a picture, map, or graph used for illustration

2

plural : a display (as of pictures or graphs) generated by a computer on a screen, printer, or plotter