Synonyms of picturesque

picturesque

adjective

ˌpik-chə-ˈresk 

as in vivid

producing a mental picture through clear and impressive description

wrote a picturesque tale of their journey across the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vivid
• graphical
• graphic
• descriptive
• specific
• expressive
• pictorial
• visual
• delineated
• depicted
• realistic
• explicit
• photographic
• concrete
• fresh
• natural
• faithful
• lifelike
• sharp
• incisive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obscure
• vague
• sketchy
• unclear
• indeterminate
• nebulous
• dark
• shadowy
• muddy
• foggy
• faint
• hazy
• indistinct
• dim
• fuzzy
• indefinite
• murky
• blurry
• indistinguishable
• mysterious
• ambiguous
• enigmatic
• bleary
• inscrutable
• cryptic
• equivocal
• shadowlike
• enigmatical

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective picturesque differ from other similar words?

The words graphic and vivid are common synonyms of picturesque. While all three words mean "giving a clear visual impression in words," 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

When could graphic be used to replace picturesque?

In some situations, the words graphic and picturesque are roughly equivalent. However, graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture.

a graphic account of combat

When is it sensible to use vivid instead of picturesque?

The synonyms vivid and picturesque are sometimes interchangeable, but vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something.

a vivid re-creation of an exciting event

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of picturesque

Though some may not consider the city hall building to be incredibly picturesque, Flagstaff is home to many lovely historic buildings. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2025

One that’s been on my radar lately is trad wife thrillers, especially as social media feeds are filled with demure baking videos, homeschooling tips and picturesque domestic life. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025

Presented by Untitled Group and triple j, the festival returns to Victoria’s picturesque Barunah Plains from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 21 Aug. 2025

The Steelers just wrapped up training camp — a four-week-long football retreat held on the picturesque campus of St. Vincent College, roughly an hour east of Pittsburgh. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025