vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈvi-vəd 

1

of a color : very strong : very high in chroma

2

: having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness : lively

a vivid sketch

3

: producing a strong or clear impression on the senses : sharp, intense

specifically : producing distinct mental images

a vivid description

4

: acting clearly and vigorously

a vivid imagination

vividly adverb

vividness noun

Synonyms

• delineated
• graphic
• graphical
• pictorial
• picturesque
• visual

Choose the Right Synonym for vivid

graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words.

graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

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

He gave a vivid description of the scene.

The book includes many vivid illustrations.

The dream was very vivid.

She could remember the dream in vivid detail.

The fabric was dyed a vivid red.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Based on Cormac McCarthy’s vivid novel, the film won the Oscar for best picture. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

These turn to a palate of vivid energy and serious tannic structure, with tea-like notes and fantastic concentration, sanguine flavors of iron and mineral, as well as wild strawberries, tamarind paste, and a hint of black olives. —Brian Freedman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Belichick has denied it, but even the mere idea was a vivid example of what made Belichick such a powerful figure in football, and what made teams now reluctant to cede so much control to him. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin vividus, from vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈviv-əd 

1

: very strong or bright

a vivid red

2

: having the appearance of vigorous life

a vivid sketch of the children

3

: producing a strong or clear impression : sharp

especially : producing distinct mental pictures

a vivid description

4

: acting clearly and powerfully

a vivid imagination

vividly adverb

vividness noun