Definition of luridnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word lurid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lurid are ghastly, grisly, gruesome, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might ghastly be a better fit than lurid?

While the synonyms ghastly and lurid are close in meaning, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do grisly and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of lurid?

Both grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder
suffered a gruesome death

Where would macabre be a reasonable alternative to lurid?

The synonyms macabre and lurid are sometimes interchangeable, but macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

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 lurid Just as much an investigator as a memoirist, Nevils attempts to tunnel through the lurid details and the #MeToo boilerplate and unearth something much knottier. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 But go for the electric atmosphere, the camaraderie of fans all wearing their lurid synthetic jerseys, and the gravitational pleasure of cheering for a team at its home ground (or indeed, the subversive thrill of cheering for the away team). Samanth Subramanian, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026 Epstein and Attia appear to have maintained a familiar association over their years-long correspondence, which apparently is replete with lurid remarks, discussions of in-person visits, and offers of wellness advice. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026 The Chet Baker starts with the depth of a couple ounces of aged rum, complemented with just a kiss of honey (see the Airmail cocktail for a more lurid love affair between honey and rum). Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
Adjective
  • War isn’t the only thing in the Outlander universe that can deliver a gruesome death.
    Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The filings also revealed a gruesome new detail about the case and provided some clarity about Burke’s status in the eyes of prosecutors.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Out of the bloodstains shone a pair of bright blue eyes, and a heart was beating under the pallid skin that looked several sizes too big.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Three weeks after that hit that sent a crowd of 75,261 at Empower Field into a pallid silence, Bryant is ever the same.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Best actress favorite Jessie Buckley is absolutely sensational as Agnes, who's married to Will (Paul Mescal) and raises the kids while the Bard works in London.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Then the comeback turned into a sensational finish.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Over Your Dead Body is not for the faint of heart, but give or take a rape threat that crosses the line into smug sadism without quite seeming to realize it, the violence lands as more comically cartoonish than horrific.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The series is about the horrific shock of unexpected sorrow, how death can divide families (or bring people together) and how navigating pain can alter perspectives and paths forward.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For your own pale pink feathery moment, try this Midi slip dress from Anthropologie ($90).
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The neutral tones of her makeup paired perfectly with her pale, champagne gown, and her oodles of diamonds feel completed by her jewelry-like nail art.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This captivating fruity-floral blend bursts with a juicy mix of peach, lychee, and bergamot.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Goldman then got his own package, one that had been oddly tampered with, and got a juicy callback in the film.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Given how well Queta has played this season, that at-the-rim scoring binge was impressive, but not shocking.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Pasquantino piloted his team to the biggest win in Italian baseball history inside the same ballpark with their shocking 8-6 victory over Team USA on Tuesday.
    Maria Torres, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The latter is popular with professionals for its colorful adjuster shades—liquid pigments in unnatural colors that can alter the tone of your base.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • As a twist on a traditional ambrosia salad, this colorful punch brings in all the same flavors with orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut water, and maraschino cherries, plus more citrus and mint to garnish.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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