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

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 vivid The 11-inch LCD is compact, and the trackpad and keyboard can feel cramped, but the overall build quality is great, the display is vivid, and performance is snappy. Luke Larsen, Wired News, 12 July 2025 This wall-mountable smart TV supports 4K streaming and 100% color volume, delivering truly vivid and clear images. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025 But as teased in a closing scene aboard a prison transfer bus, Voit entertained a vivid fantasy of choking to death a fellow inmate. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 10 July 2025 These outside forces have led to a vivid yet complicated culinary identity that defies categorization. Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vivid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivid
Adjective
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Eli Cranor, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2025
  • Here is a really easy-to-follow story and graphic by my USA TODAY colleagues, including personal finance reporter Medora Lee.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sufficient descriptive information is available to assist in their recovery.
    Julie Mendes, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Here’s what to do instead: Use descriptive names, explain decisions in comments and log key events with proper context (user ID, request ID, error details and so on) to swiftly identify and resolve issues.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • There's no shortage of natural beauty in Arizona, from blooming saguaro flowers to picturesque mountain views.
    Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025
  • Each bite was a delight, each moment on that terrace a postcard to remember, for the delectable food, service and picturesque view.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Zeldin faces a major hurdle in accomplishing this feat: The existing PFAS standards are backed by the best currently available scientific evidence linking these specific chemicals to a range of adverse health effects.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • For the modern update, Nintendo has tweaked the design slightly, incorporating controls specific to the Switch 2–namely the Home, screen capture, and C buttons—at the top of the pad, and added a tiny new ZL button on the left-hand shoulder.
    Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The single arrives alongside an expressive music video directed by (La)Horde.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
  • In 2011: Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, known for her expressive vocals, died at age 27 from alcohol poisoning.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivid. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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