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

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 picturesque This summer, the picturesque streets of the beachside resort Punta del Este in Uruguay drew unprecedented levels of congestion. Guy Petcho, National Review, 19 Mar. 2025 The big picture: Spring is the perfect time to enjoy picturesque Hill Country views while sipping on local wines. Megan Stringer, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025 Cartagena, Colombia’s most picturesque city, has no shortage of hotels to pick from. Shivani Vora, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Pocketing glass doors in every room also open out to multiple terraces framing picturesque city, mountain, and golf course views. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for picturesque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for picturesque
Adjective
  • Artistically, Cynthia’s lighting designs are vivid, intentional, and showcase a remarkable talent for a student of her age.
    Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Whether that’s having dreams that are extra vivid or unexpected revelations about your past.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, graphic sock and apparel company Rock ‘Em Socks direct messaged Khan on Instagram after the viral moment, according to Senior Vice President Steve Rollins.
    Mark J. Burns, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Those with a more sports-adjacent style, on the other hand, often mix theirs with graphic sweaters and basketball jerseys.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Add descriptive subheadings to break up text logically.
    Guy Leon Sheetrit, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • By the early 1950s, a descriptive quality had been added to the portrayal of select U.S. cities.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Picturesque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/picturesque. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on picturesque

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