Synonyms of vivid

vivid

adjective

ˈvi-vəd 

as in graphic

producing a mental picture through clear and impressive description

vivid language that made the scene come alive in my mind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vivid differ from other similar words?

The words graphic and picturesque are common synonyms of vivid. While all three words mean "giving a clear visual impression in words," vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

In what contexts can graphic take the place of vivid?

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

a graphic account of combat

When can picturesque be used instead of vivid?

The meanings of picturesque and vivid largely overlap; however, 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

Examples of vivid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sterling Pass: This Oak Creek Canyon trail may not be as dazzling as West Fork but offers vivid color and fewer people. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2024

Like Pilsen, known for its rich culture, Little Village has a vivid history of Mexicans in the Midwest. —Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024

The narrative is overthought and can appear almost too stylish at points, with a vivid color palette that snaps into black-and-white midway before turning yellow by the end. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2024

To help maintain the bold flavor and vivid color from parsley, capers, and lemon juice, wait until the very last minute to add them. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2024