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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 Runyon said she will be remembered as a skilled author whose stories emit a lurid sense of place. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 8 Aug. 2025 They get thrown into this lurid serial killer manhunt of an elusive murderer who collects body parts and uses leeches for insane reasons. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 In a surprising aside given the damaging, lurid testimony in the trial about Combs’ private life, Agnifilo said one of Diddy’s future goals is to perform at one of New York’s most iconic venues again. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025 There is no overlooking the lurid spectacle that Spain’s World Cup triumph eventually descended into. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
Adjective
  • Gonzalez-Rasalas was charged with murder, desecrating a body and auto theft in a gruesome 2023 Easter Sunday homicide.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At the time, and in the next nearly two years, the Kansas City region also experienced the gruesome abuse and neglect deaths of three children ages 4 to 6, including one boy who fell from a 17th floor apartment window in November 2023.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 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
  • Carlos Alcaraz produced a sensational behind-the-back shot during his victory over Arthur Rinderknech at the US Open, winning the point from his quick-thinking improvisation.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Promoters use sensational language, promise returns and encourage quick trading.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • An initial report of a paralyzed kitten being thrown down a staircase led police in Northern Ohio to a home where officers reported finding 13 young children living in horrific conditions.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But, really, does enough training exist that would prepare anyone for such a horrific emergency?
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Formed as clusters of pale purple crystal glass, the original chandelier used to adorn the entrance to the banquet hall in the Main Building.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • At the corner of Central Avenue and Reserve Street stands a pale yellow basin ringed with silver taps.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.
    Martie Bowser, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bears suffered a shocking Week 1 loss, blowing a 17-6 fourth quarter lead at home against the division rival Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Iryna was killed while sitting peacefully, an innocent life taken in a shocking and brutal way.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her character also loved wearing colorful hues like orange, according to Mickens, this reflects her actual Caribbean heritage.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lurid

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