vivid

adjective

viv·​id ˈvi-vəd How to pronounce vivid (audio)
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
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 The yellow tulips are juicy and vivid thanks to the visible vectors of Bazille’s sculptural brushstrokes and the simple clarity of his contrasts. Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Choose from neutrals like white, gray, and tan, or opt for more vivid solids like mint green and lavender. Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 All of which Villeneuve has brought to vivid, sand-in-your-teeth, hydration-hoarding life. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Throughout, the rooms are enchantingly staged and juxtaposed with artistic references; one features, dresses spanning soft and vivid hues are weightlessly suspended while the famous video of dancer Loïe Fuller by the Lumière brothers captures the unbridled possibilities of billowing fabric. Amy Verner, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024 Jerseys with the names and numbers of players smaller and less vivid? Steve Forbes, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 At its core is Webster’s poetic account of her inner struggles, her confusions and doubts, captured in words at once spare and vivid. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 1 Mar. 2024 This playful and vivid color has the potential to brighten up any space and make a statement. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2024 Perhaps having Rae explain the stories that inspired the songs before playing them pushed her players to bring each one to vivid, vibrant life in that intimate space. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vivid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of vivid was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near vivid

Cite this Entry

“Vivid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vivid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vivid

adjective
viv·​id ˈviv-əd How to pronounce vivid (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on vivid

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