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Synonyms

vivid

American  
[viv-id] / ˈvɪv ɪd /

adjective

  1. strikingly bright or intense, as color, light, etc..

    a vivid green.

    Synonyms:
    intense, brilliant, bright
  2. full of life; lively; animated.

    a vivid personality.

    Synonyms:
    intense, vivacious, spirited
  3. presenting the appearance, freshness, spirit, etc., of life; realistic.

    a vivid account.

  4. strong, distinct, or clearly perceptible.

    a vivid recollection.

  5. forming distinct and striking mental images.

    a vivid imagination.


vivid British  
/ ˈvɪvɪd /

adjective

  1. (of a colour) very bright; having a very high saturation or purity; produced by a pure or almost pure colouring agent

  2. brilliantly coloured

    vivid plumage

  3. conveying to the mind striking realism, freshness, or trueness to life; graphic

    a vivid account

  4. (of a recollection, memory, etc) remaining distinct in the mind

  5. (of the imagination, etc) prolific in the formation of lifelike images

  6. making a powerful impact on the emotions or senses

    a vivid feeling of shame

  7. uttered, operating, or acting with vigour

    vivid expostulations

  8. full of life or vitality

    a vivid personality

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See picturesque.

Other Word Forms

  • overvivid adjective
  • overvividness noun
  • unvivid adjective
  • unvividness noun
  • vividity noun
  • vividly adverb
  • vividness noun

Etymology

Origin of vivid

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin vīvidus “lively,” equivalent to vīv(ere) “to live” + -idus adjective suffix; vital, -id 4

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Look at Dijon onstage at ‘SNL,’” he says of the R&B singer and producer who led an expansive group of musicians through a vivid TV performance in early December.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a story built from vivid episodes and long delays, where danger and temptation matter as much as forward motion.

From Los Angeles Times

A vivid memory for Sanchez is his grandfather slaughtering a pig and driving around South-Central on his pickup truck selling it.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2026, there is a good chance that the vivid purples, reds and greens of the Northern Lights will be visible in skies across the UK.

From BBC

This image, taken at the Ski World Cup Finals in Idaho, captures that perfectly, blending the racer's motion with a sweep of vivid colour.

From BBC