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Synonym Chooser

How is the word lurid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lurid are ghastly, grisly, gruesome, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might ghastly be a better fit than lurid?

While the synonyms ghastly and lurid are close in meaning, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do grisly and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of lurid?

Both grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder
suffered a gruesome death

Where would macabre be a reasonable alternative to lurid?

The synonyms macabre and lurid are sometimes interchangeable, but macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

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 lurid Dateline is one of the few traditional news programs that has managed to transition seamlessly from the old format into the new one, driven largely by our continuing fascination with lurid crimes. Max Tani, semafor.com, 14 July 2025 There is no overlooking the lurid spectacle that Spain’s World Cup triumph eventually descended into. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 July 2025 Ivor checked the verges to the limit of the headlights, his mind gone lurid and blank. Anne Enright, New Yorker, 27 July 2025 The catalyst was Seduction of the Innocent, a 1954 book by psychiatrist Frederick Wertham that argued American children were being led into juvenile delinquency by lurid and violent comics. Oliver Staley, Time, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
Adjective
  • Galpin’s storyline does conclude in Episode 2 of Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 as the lonely man dies a gruesome death, discovered by Wednesday.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2025
  • And part of his interaction with the public had become a rather gruesome tradition: Osbourne would throw pieces of raw meat and animal parts, including intestines and liver.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yet senior test kitchen editor Jesse Szewczyk recently took one of those pallid lumps and coaxed utter brilliance from it.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Smith’s skin took on a new color, one more pallid with a blue, purple undertone.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Ghana international, who spent two years with Leeds between 1995 and 1997, would cap a run of sensational strikes off with a long-range drive against Wimbledon that could arguably be one of the greatest goals of the 33-year Premier League era.
    Max Mathews, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Its grille inspired the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car and the sensational 2005 Chrysler 300.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The less unique Ripley’s horrific encounter becomes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • In the end, the book circles back to the Jewish search for a home after the catastrophe of World War II and, in just a few potent pages, the consequent suffering of the Palestinians, magnified by the current horrific destruction underway in Gaza.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the bone, the pale, smooth tube of spinal cord is exposed.
    Sophia Li, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Signs your plants need attention include pale foliage, spindly new growth, and fewer new flowers.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a bold dry rub for 12 hours, then roasted until juicy and crisp.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • It's flavored with bold Mexican flavors, like juicy tomatoes, green onions, fresh cilantro, and Monterey Jack cheese.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a shocking turn of events, Weems is Wednesday’s new spirit guide, or figure from beyond death who will help Wednesday with her psychic visions.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Perhaps the biggest moment was her shocking termination as principal, which not only upset her fictional colleagues but also viewers.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The 13-minute show featured over 250 drones creating colorful animations in the sky over Park Avenue in downtown San Jose.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Pure Michigan says numerous state parks offer colorful ways to enjoy the outdoors.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lurid

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