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Showing results for lurid. Search instead for lurid/2.
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.

ANL has strongly denied claims made against its journalism calling them "lurid" and "preposterous".

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

We’ve made a decision institutionally that we’re not going to give airtime to things that we really just have no idea if they are true or not, especially when they’re of this lurid nature.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

For two weeks in March 1939, as Hitler completed his annexation of Czechoslovakia and Europe braced for war, a lurid murder trial captivated Paris.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

ANL has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them "lurid" and "preposterous".

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Instead, she was carried back each time to the weir, where she clung to a rusty iron ring, waiting for him, her white face vivid against the lurid mossy walls and greenish cement.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.