vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈvi-vəd 

1

of a color : very strong : very high in chroma

2

: having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness : lively

a vivid sketch

3

: producing a strong or clear impression on the senses : sharp, intense

specifically : producing distinct mental images

a vivid description

4

: acting clearly and vigorously

a vivid imagination

vividly adverb

vividness noun

Synonyms of vivid

• graphic
• descriptive
• picturesque
• specific
• expressive

Choose the Right Synonym for vivid

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 vivid in a Sentence

He gave a vivid description of the scene.

The book includes many vivid illustrations.

The dream was very vivid.

She could remember the dream in vivid detail.

The fabric was dyed a vivid red.

Recent Examples on the Web

David Hockney, the British artist most famous for his 1960s paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools and double portraits rendered in vivid acrylic paints, died at his London home on Thursday, June 11, at age 88. —Constance W. Glenn, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

Bottled at 55% ABV, Le 55 Rhum delivers a vivid expression of cane and terroir, and its success speaks to the rising appreciation for cane juice spirits. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

From its oversized foliage to its dark green fruits and vivid blooms, every growing phase of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) has its own splashy style, says Elin Harryson of plant care app Planta. —Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026

The combination of vivid landscapes, attractions and activities, and cultural pursuits makes Samaná a unique destination that continues to gain ground on the world tourism map. —Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin vividus, from vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vivid

• livid

Kids Definition

vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈviv-əd 

1

: very strong or bright

a vivid red

2

: having the appearance of vigorous life

a vivid sketch of the children

3

: producing a strong or clear impression : sharp

especially : producing distinct mental pictures

a vivid description

4

: acting clearly and powerfully

a vivid imagination

vividly adverb

vividness noun