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

The sensory experience of vivid colors, the smell of spices and the energy of the vendors is overwhelming in the best possible way. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026

According to Rebecca Isa, some shades that feel instantly fresh and vacation-ready are bold turquoise, juicy red, vivid green, or bright yellow. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 28 May 2026

Such details paint a more vivid picture of what led to Busch’s death last week and aligns with what has surfaced to date. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

As Geno Auriemma continues to go global in finding talent to keep the Huskies in the thick of the national championship hunt, Lister, whose sister, Jasmine, was a grad assistant at UConn from 2014-16, offered some vivid descriptions of the newest member of the team. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 28 May 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