lurid

adjective

ˈlu̇r-əd How to pronounce lurid (audio)
Definition of luridnext
1
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent thank you for sparing us from the lurid details of the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pallid
lacking a healthy skin color the doctor was alarmed by the patient's lurid complexion was lurid after a long winter spent indoors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sensational
arousing a strong and usually superficial interest or emotional reaction the lurid news reports about the romance between the two Hollywood stars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lurid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lurid are ghastly, grisly, gruesome, and macabre. While all these words mean "horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect," lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder.

the lurid details of a crime

When might ghastly be a better fit than lurid?

While the synonyms ghastly and lurid are close in meaning, ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts.

a ghastly accident

How do grisly and gruesome relate to one another, in the sense of lurid?

Both grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty.

an unusually grisly murder
suffered a gruesome death

Where would macabre be a reasonable alternative to lurid?

The synonyms macabre and lurid are sometimes interchangeable, but macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death.

a macabre tale of premature burial

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 lurid Showalter, who has undergone a surprising career shift from alt comedian to journeyman director of women’s pictures, clearly wants to try his hand at a lurid erotic thriller. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Casting Rob Lowe against type is a clever choice for this lurid cautionary tale. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2026 That’s most notable in the Street Style package, a design reminiscent of Porsche’s more lurid tartans over the years, but here implemented in woven leather. — Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026 An almost unrecognizable Pearce is weary of the lurid headlines Lamb produces — and all for the sake of The Sun becoming the world’s best-selling newspaper. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lurid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lurid
  1. gruesome
  2. pallid
  3. sensational
  4. horrific
  5. pale
  6. juicy
  7. shocking
  8. colorful
Adjective
  • Then there is Gemini, whose brief tenure as a public company has been simply gruesome.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Lechner was a member of the 75th Rangers in Somalia and suffered a gruesome gunshot wound to his tibia.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of gruesome
Adjective
  • The pallid grayness of Mike Eley’s cinematography is probably supposed to mimic the finality of HIV/AIDS taking hold, but there’s no passion aesthetically to counterbalance what becomes absolute misery onscreen to watch.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Young people in particular have soured on the technology over the last year, a development that may at least partially be explained by a pallid entry-level job market.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of pallid
Adjective
  • But, beyond the wall-to-wall coverage and sensational headlines, is a story about the incredible courage, devotion, and strength that Natalee’s mother, Beth, showed in the face of unimaginable loss.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Smith had a season-low four catches for 93 yards, but the sensational wide receiver made the most of his chances.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensational
Adjective
  • The battle is between that horrible atmosphere and some of the horrific candidates that have been nominated by the Democratic Party.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The plot is carried out to horrific proportions, but the subjects are so utterly moronic that the gag stops being amusing.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of horrific
Adjective
  • Its exterior styling is modern and Scandinavian-like, with a steel base, pale thermally treated timber, and a metal roof.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Social media posts claim that the signs of iron deficiency, including a pale complexion, hair loss and dry skin are identifiable as ferritin face.
    — Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pale
Adjective
  • Baugh’s decision to sign with Georgia’s fiercest rival adds a juicy subplot to Saturday’s showdown, even within a family featuring some Bulldogs’ backers.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The crispy coating had that perfect, satisfying crunch, giving way to juicy meat packed with salt and seasoning without being overly greasy.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of juicy
Adjective
  • The mother of a toddler who was found breathing in a hospital morgue hours after being pronounced dead is speaking out about the shocking incident.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Sunday’s shocking loss to the Arizona Cardinals dropped Los Angeles to 2-4, and, suddenly, a team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations is fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • The results are most effective when the lyrics are tight and embody the colorful feelings that Greene’s music often evokes.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • At Casa Brera, her colorful and sophisticated design appears more timeless than ever, establishing a strong link with the Milanese soul of the place as well as creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of colorful

Browse Nearby Words

lures
lurid
luridly
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Cite this Entry

“Lurid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lurid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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