graphic 1 of 2

Definition of graphicnext
variants also graphical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective graphic differ from other similar words?

The words picturesque and vivid are common synonyms of graphic. While all three words mean "giving a clear visual impression in words," graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

When can picturesque be used instead of graphic?

Although the words picturesque and graphic have much in common, 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

When would vivid be a good substitute for graphic?

In some situations, the words vivid and graphic are roughly equivalent. However, vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

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 graphic
Noun
The display uses a dark interface with red and white graphics, drawing inspiration from fighter jet cockpit screens. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 The packaging hits on early internet-era themes as well, with a graphic of a pink Nokia-style phone on the box, for all your Paris Hilton-paparazzi-picture needs. — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Later, for a photo call at the Empire State building alongside costar Tom Rhys, Ackie showed up wearing a slate gray and black Jean Paul Gaultier graphic maxi-dress paired with Erozee pumps. — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 Nelson, a first-time feature director, wrote it with Sarah Leavitt, adapting Leavitt’s graphic memoir about her mother’s Alzheimer’s in the late 1990s. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for graphic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for graphic
Noun
  • IllustratorMagic generates the text, illustrations, and page layouts, producing a complete book rather than separate images that require manual assembly.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2026
  • An illustration shows the life-size bronze sculpture of dueling film critics Gene Siskel, left, and Roger Ebert that will soon be unveiled at the One Two Pru office complex near Millennium Park and The Magnificent Mile.
    — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Exotic was shot during a recent real-life edition of a pole-dancing Exo Stars Camp featuring real participants and instructors, maintaining the authenticity of this vivid bubble.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe the most vivid reminder was what happened after a similarly depressing defeat in 2021 in the last game in which Mahomes played and the Chiefs managed only a field goal.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • First-person human videos provide examples of how people interact with objects and perform everyday activities, while robot trajectories connect visual observations with physical actions and their outcomes.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Those differences are embodied in the mixed visual approaches Saito takes, switching between vivid color and monochrome, and between chaotic handheld work and steadier camerawork.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • One reading of Untitled is as a diagram of how desire shapes our perception of one another and of ourselves.
    — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The reconstruction was made trickier, however, by the fact that the crew weren’t allowed to take photographs inside Downing Street and there aren’t diagrams online.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The descriptive names of full moons originate from various cultures and are usually based on seasonal changes, natural events, and human activities.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In an ideal world, according to Fabscrap, headers would be smaller than two yards, with no backing material, and a small sticker detailing material content and other descriptive elements, such as weight and country of origin, as required.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The investigation included multiple interviews, medical examinations and photographic evidence.
    — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Gates, who now stewards the photographic archives and periodicals of the Johnson Publishing Company, has exhibited it in different forms.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Aljafari is recognized for his distinctive cinematic practice exploring memory, history, identity and the politics of images.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than embrace the provocative image associated with some of her early roles, Portman maintained a more reserved public image.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • This approach is intended to reduce the amount of task-specific training required when deploying robots in new environments.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Graphic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/graphic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster