Synonyms of picturesque

picturesque

adjective

ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

as in vivid

producing a mental picture through clear and impressive description

wrote a picturesque tale of their journey across the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vivid
• graphical
• graphic
• descriptive
• specific
• expressive
• pictorial
• visual
• delineated
• depicted
• realistic
• explicit
• photographic
• concrete
• fresh
• natural
• faithful
• lifelike
• sharp
• incisive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• vague
• sketchy
• unclear
• indeterminate
• nebulous
• dark
• shadowy
• muddy
• foggy
• faint
• hazy
• indistinct
• dim
• fuzzy
• indefinite
• murky
• blurry
• indistinguishable
• mysterious
• ambiguous
• enigmatic
• bleary
• inscrutable
• cryptic
• equivocal
• shadowlike
• enigmatical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective picturesque differ from other similar words?

The words graphic and vivid are common synonyms of picturesque. While all three words mean "giving a clear visual impression in words," 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 could graphic be used to replace picturesque?

In some situations, the words graphic and picturesque are roughly equivalent. However, graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

When is it sensible to use vivid instead of picturesque?

The synonyms vivid and picturesque are sometimes interchangeable, but vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of picturesque

At Gramps Getaway, which offers a picturesque view of Miami and Biscayne Bay, umbrella and fan placement is a daily concern — anything to keep customers cool from day into night. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

In Shasta County, near the geographic top of California, McArthur-Burney State Park is known for its picturesque waterfalls, with rainbows rising through the mist when the sun shines just right. —David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Put in at an access point like Donnaha Park to experience the river’s gentle flow, wildlife, and picturesque farmland. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

But behind the picturesque paradise lies a dark past. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025