1
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
a florid, gilded mirror that took up most of the wall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions
gave a florid speech in honor of the queen's visit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in glowing
having a healthy reddish skin tone
a man with a florid complexion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of florid
As the two plunge in and out of dreams, the movie serves up a series of florid set pieces, most of which serve no narrative purpose beyond their eyeball-tickling show-reel dimension.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
McNamara’s screenplays are equally strange and enchanting, but also florid, absurd and randy.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Then there is the real thing touched on by such florid representation: the drive of some humans to inflict actual pain and death for no reason but the apparent compulsive enjoyment of it.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Peace in the Middle East is, of course, a florid exaggeration.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for florid
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025
McNamara’s screenplays are equally strange and enchanting, but also florid, absurd and randy.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025
Then there is the real thing touched on by such florid representation: the drive of some humans to inflict actual pain and death for no reason but the apparent compulsive enjoyment of it.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Peace in the Middle East is, of course, a florid exaggeration.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for florid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for florid
Adjective
-
The vaulted lobby, dressed up in jewel tones, ornate wall panels, and mixed materials, sets the tone for the rest of your visit.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Sophie’s wonderment at the ornate environment catches Benedict’s attention.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Four Freedoms Roosevelt named were not rhetorical ornaments offered as inspiration so much as a diagnosis.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Most Venezuelans who are smart recognize that this is a rhetorical device.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Each one is a glowing testament to her.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Part of last season’s successful Strasbourg team was Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, who gave a glowing assessment of Rosenior when speaking at a press conference in November.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Black Rice Often called Forbidden rice, black rice is a whole grain similar to brown rice, with a deep purple-black bran.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Hudson—who was photographed sitting next to Diane Kruger and Michelle Pfeiffer—appeared to be dreaming of spring weather, thanks to a light lavender purple top trimmed with sequins and rhinestones that was a diamanté dream.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sunburnt blush focuses the color in the very center of your face for a just-tanned effect, while the doll-blush trend places it on the apples of cheeks for a smooth look.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
15 Dec. 2025
-
The boots are made from a twinface sheepskin upper, with fleece and wool on the inside and the tanned skin on the outside.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
24 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
While on the runway the dress was blue and black with a trompe-l’œil design, Robbie’s look leaned into more Victorian-era flourishes, with a laced strapless bodice and an onyx and scarlet red gradient petal skirt, striking colors which borrowed from other styles in the show.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The businesswoman was decked out in a red Carolina Herrera gown and had her makeup done for the occasion.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Curries — nutty beef panang, a ruddy meatless variation made with pumpkin — emphasize creaminess and mild aromatic complexity.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Pentecostal revival meeting lights and condominium-sale advertisements illuminate the city, leaving a ruddy glow along the highway.—
Edna Bonhomme,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Writing a novel is a solitary experience but not writing one is even more so, without the occasional call from an editor or marketing person to keep me warm.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
An hour in McIntyre’s company is a warm, convivial whirlwind of enthusiasm, jokes and anecdotes.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Florid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/florid. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
