Definition of vividnext

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 For example, the Blackhawks have a vivid green base with the current logo and gold shoulder patches. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Several of her sources painted an especially bleak, if vivid, portrait of how the Administration has alienated its supporters—and of what might happen in the days ahead. — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026 Inspired, Benson tried it herself, committing to a vivid, poppy red nail color for a year, then longer. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026 Exotic was shot during a recent real-life edition of a pole-dancing Exo Stars Camp featuring real participants and instructors, maintaining the authenticity of this vivid bubble. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vivid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivid
Adjective
  • The charred bodies of Murakami's family are a much more graphic and human-scale sort of violence than is normal for the franchise.
    — James Grebey, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Still, there is something to be said for not deluging the viewer in on-screen gimmicks and graphic flashes.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Fortunately, plenty of new high-tech tools offer assistance, including robot guide dogs, a cane-bot (looking a bit like a small R2D2 with giant wheels), multiple types of smart glasses with descriptive audio, and even a haptic vest for blind dogs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The descriptive names of full moons originate from various cultures and are usually based on seasonal changes, natural events, and human activities.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The town is framed by the picturesque sandstone cursive of Comb Ridge, the stone spires of Monument Valley peeking over the ridgeline.
    — Adam Burke, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Ji-hyun pities Nakano, but maintains boundaries between them even after the two go to South Korea to visit Ji-hyun’s warm and supportive family at their picturesque restaurant by the sea.
    — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • New materials, colors and finishes, including a California-specific fabric and color scheme, further distinguish the camper van's interior look and feel from the rest of the Volkswagen van lineup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Georgiev-Remmel told the court there was no specific date set to carry out any removals.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Fashion lost Mackie back in September, and the late designer—known for his impeccable, expressive glitz—was responsible for dressing everyone from Cher to Carol Burnett.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The director Pam MacKinnon even has cast the perfect lead actress as that mom in the richly expressive Katrina Lenk.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivid. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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