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.

The Pentagon described this and other lurid reports of the meeting as “highly exaggerated and distorted.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Kino’s hypocrisy stems from the same swamp as the original’s fictitious Dr. Gröss, whose lurid footage climaxed with a tsk-tsking screed against poverty, pollution and fascism as major contributors to the global death toll.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

ANL has consistently denied the claims, calling them "lurid" and "preposterous".

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Vines covered most of the tree trunks, but their colors were oversaturated, almost lurid in their brightness.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Vocabulary lists containing lurid

The Scarlet Letter

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Grade 11, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!