vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈvi-vəd How to pronounce vivid (audio)
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
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Grin at images of Italians savoring pastas, pizzas, cheeses, breads, olives, seafood, vivid veggies—feast after feast. Laura Manske, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Women with invisible illnesses have long been accused of having nothing more than a vivid imagination. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, the makeup and hairstyling teams shine, with Elphaba’s vivid green skin and Glinda’s signature blonde curls popping on the big screen. Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024 Tucked away in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest, the vivid blue-green pool is the reward for a two-mile hike (one-way), which includes at least a dozen stream and creek crossings. Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vivid 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vivid was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near vivid

Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vivid. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

vivid

adjective
viv·​id ˈviv-əd How to pronounce vivid (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on vivid

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