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

Today, attention will turn to France where the G7 foreign ministers will be meeting in the picturesque Abbey of Vaux-de-Cernay. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026

Tucked away in picturesque urban postcards, behind Piazza Castello, or just a stone’s throw from the Columns of San Lorenzo, Milan’s vintage boutiques are a must-visit destination for those who experience fashion in Milan. —Selene Oliva, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2026

Framed by two seas—the Tyrrhenian to the west and the Ionian to the east—this gem of a region is defined by picturesque coastlines, mountainous interiors, and towns that feel refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. —Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

Just imagine starting the day in a picturesque setting surrounded by hillside vistas, then, by sunset, tossing back a glass of something vintage and exceptionally rare with dinner (maybe made from grapes harvested on the property). —Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 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