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

Inspired by her vivid dream, Quiller decided to make the scene a reality for her sister. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed nearly 20,000 people and precipitated a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, remains a vivid illustration of the devastation such events can cause. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Lightfoot’s vocals were added later, as his crisply enunciated singing, vivid lyrics and Irish-style folk melody sold the storytelling. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 9 Nov. 2025

The vivid blue campaign signs with bold orange lettering were impossible to miss as Zohran Mamdani made his historic and improbable run for New York City mayor this summer. —Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025

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