1
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent
thank you for sparing us from the lurid details of the story
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pallid
lacking a healthy skin color
the doctor was alarmed by the patient's lurid complexion was lurid after a long winter spent indoors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sensational
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction
the lurid news reports about the romance between the two Hollywood stars
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lurid
The electricity of this Ivanov can sometimes give it a lurid, Frankenstein-ish quality, and the unabashed intensity works.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
That lurid fable was followed by 2023’s Pictures of Ghosts, an impressionistic documentary that told the parallel stories of Mendonça Filho’s life in movies and Recife’s decaying cinemas.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
But the ongoing investigation will unpick years of lurid allegations about Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Monique Mulima, Bloomberg, 19 Feb. 2026
The arrest of Andrew, who turned 66 on Thursday, heaps further embarrassment on Britain’s royal family following years of lurid allegations about his ties with Epstein that the former prince has consistently denied.
—Lucy White, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lurid
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
That lurid fable was followed by 2023’s Pictures of Ghosts, an impressionistic documentary that told the parallel stories of Mendonça Filho’s life in movies and Recife’s decaying cinemas.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
But the ongoing investigation will unpick years of lurid allegations about Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
—Monique Mulima, Bloomberg, 19 Feb. 2026
The arrest of Andrew, who turned 66 on Thursday, heaps further embarrassment on Britain’s royal family following years of lurid allegations about his ties with Epstein that the former prince has consistently denied.
—Lucy White, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
Adjective
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Biden administration failed victims by not seeking the death penalty in many violent and gruesome cases.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
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Like Richards, many people also invite the public into the somewhat gruesome medical process.—
Rheana Murray,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While disrupting the business of an American multinational company may seem a pallid response to the destruction of an Iranian primary school where more than a hundred children were killed, such asymmetric attacks in the physical and digital realms have been a feature of this conflict.—
Sue Halpern,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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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
Adjective
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The sensational pianist Yuja Wang returns to the San Francisco Symphony this week, joining the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under concertmaster/leader Matthew Truscott.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
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Bryce Leonard was sensational, striking out 15 in a complete game shutout for Stoneham during a 4-0 Middlesex League victory over Watertown.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Earlier in the month, the courts heard the horrific and emotional testimonies of camp counselors of that night as part of the lawsuit.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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So even as the Nazi regime was radicalizing through the 1930s and committing horrific violence, the German population was still laughing and being entertained.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While visiting Malta with Prince Philip in 1951, the late monarch wore a pale purple beaded gown and fur stole.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
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Raspberries won't ripen after being picked, so be careful not to choose underripe ones that are pale.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This configuration concentrates heat for faster grilling while keeping meat juicy.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2026
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Friends introduce you to interesting people, group chats get extra juicy and invitations multiply.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Their latest documentary series looks set to continue that streak, exploring a shocking real case of love, betrayal, and justice.—
Fleurine Tideman,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Born Ereunna McCoy, BunnaB captures the spirit of Atlanta through colorful, witty rhymes and catchy adlibs, boosted by her vibrant delivery.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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But the Shedd outlasted the mobsters and Lord knows what else in its home city’s colorful history and now is trying to raise $500 million over eight years in honor of its pending 100th anniversary in 2030.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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