Definitions

lurid

[loor-id] / ˈlʊər ɪd /

ADJECTIVE

shocking, gruesome

Synonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerated ghastly gory grim grisly horrifying macabre obscene racy revolting sensational startling violent vivid

WEAK

ashen bloody deep disgusting distinct extreme fiery graphic hideous horrible horrid livid low-down melodramatic off-color offensive purple raunchy rough salty sanguine savage sinister terrible terrifying yellow

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clean delightful dull mild moral nice pleasant pleasing upright

WEAK

humble modest

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.

Lurid origin stories for plagues are nothing new under the sun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Lurid neon blobs, like celebrity voice actors, seem a prerequisite for animated adventures these days.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2023

Lurid yellow warning posters reading “Caution! You are entering an area of high infection” now dot the city.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2020

Lurid flames roared and belched and licked their forked tongues in the air.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2019

"Lurid" is also a less indistinct epithet than "livid wave," and, if you think so, a dash of the pen will do.

From The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals. Vol. 2 by Prothero, Rowland E. (Rowland Edmund), Baron Ernle

Vocabulary lists containing lurid

The Scarlet Letter

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100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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Grade 11, List 5

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