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

Abrash described them in vivid terms. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026

From its booming beginning to its playful passages, the music offered vivid contrasts. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

Metaphorical thinking enhances learning by linking new concepts to familiar patterns, fostering creative problem-solving among non-experts, and aiding memory retention through vivid imagery, while expanding one's metaphor store through diverse topics can boost creativity in specialized fields. —Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026

But the most vivid performance might in fact be the convenience store itself, brought to fluorescent, sanitized, colorful life by scenic designer Joanna Yu and lighting designer Wen-Ling Liao. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 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