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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 Where is the line between legitimate justice and lurid entertainment? Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025 Brian De Palma's lurid, almost feverish depiction of the bullying and abuse that Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) suffers at school and at home manages to feel empathetic rather than exploitative. James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 However, the lurid thoughts communicated in Johanne’s prose are enough to send Kristin and Karin into a spiral over how Johanne could possibly have come to felt this way. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025 Historian Andrew Lownie's new book Entitled charts the rise and fall of Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson with lurid details about Jeffrey Epstein, alleged mistreatment of staff and more. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
Adjective
  • Gein committed many gruesome crimes, but cannibalism was not one of them.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • But one photo, far less gruesome, has been gnawing at me for weeks.
    Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Morfydd Clark, pallid at first, has some emotive scenes at the wedding when Ophelia rails at Hamlet for turning away from her.
    Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Yet senior test kitchen editor Jesse Szewczyk recently took one of those pallid lumps and coaxed utter brilliance from it.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Often sensational in tone and light on substance, these reports typically allege that a company has misstated its financial condition, overstated business prospects, or engaged in improper practices.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This is the same front office that let Calais Campbell sign a one-year deal that could potentially be worth $6 million with the Arizona Cardinals, letting the forceful defensive lineman, and sensational team leader walk out the door without a fight.
    Omar Kelly October 3, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those bots have attracted lawsuits in horrific instances where users lost their grip on reality or took their own lives after interacting with them.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the base’s survivors have similarly described the singularly horrific nature of those 45 square miles in eastern Cuba.
    Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The restaurant’s minimalist design, from the pale wood furniture to the soft globe lighting, feels warm thanks to earthy textures and abundant natural light, creating a calm, modern space, perfect for enjoying a meal.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Aim for pale yellow throughout the day.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With jammy, juicy cherries swimming in a salty, tangy sauce, all spooned over crispy-skilled chicken, the foundation is strong.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • An amber ale lends depth of flavor to this tender, juicy pot roast.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s the most shocking thing.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As if that wasn’t enough motivation, the Horned Frogs (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) will face Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2) for the first time since Sanders led the Buffs to a shocking 45-42 upset in Fort Worth to open the 2023 season.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Until Saturday, Scott — accustomed to wearing prison blue — had two shirts and two pairs of pants, but Sanders took him to Ross Dress for Less for some colorful, new clothes.
    Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The lunar event will appear brighter and more colorful than most full moons, offering several nights of striking views just after sunset.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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