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 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 Beccari said advances in technology meant the motifs were even more vivid this time around. Joelle Diderich For Wwd, ARTnews.com, 27 Dec. 2024 This is the story of a nation masquerading as the story of a man, and all the more vivid and important for it. The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024 Earth tones 2025’s color palette is like a visit to the produce aisle: The earthy colors of fruits and vegetables will abound next year, from the vivid yellow of a spaghetti squash to the soft brown of a coconut husk. Sarah Archer, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024 Be sure to stay through the credits as there are some pretty vivid clues about who Sonic and the gang may be facing next. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vivid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vivid
Adjective
  • The insider crowd at the opening party at a modernist house in Baldwin Hills included a healer, a graphic novelist, a magician, a rapper.
    Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Expand All Warning: This series includes scenes of graphic violence and language.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Did working with great artists over the years, like Kevin O’Neill in League, influence your descriptive writing?
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Considering the Republican National Committee has filed more than 130 nationwide, and only did four of those seven, a drop in the bucket might be more accurately descriptive.
    Alan Wooten | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • According to Travel & Leisure, the All Stars villa, known as Ludus Magnus, is nestled between a picturesque mountain range and a wine valley in Franschhoek.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Crystal Scott grew up playing in the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, but her home at the base of the mountains was one of thousands destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
    Tom Hanson, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The inclusion of each specific gear type was chosen based on widespread adoption by hunters in Idaho and neighboring states.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
  • But the Vikings constructed a quarterback room with specific coaches and players to bring out Darnold’s best.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, Erskine already is on shaky ground with Viscount David Brooke (a subtly expressive Mark Strong), who has recently replaced his deceased father as editor of The London Chronicle, and doesn’t share his high regard for Erskine’s flamethrower prose.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Bud is a schnauzer mix with deep, expressive eyes; beige snoot and leg stockings; and a white chest, with the rest of his fur a charcoal black.
    TJ Macias, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near vivid

Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vivid. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vivid

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