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.

In such a crowded online market, the more lurid the claims the better: Often, they are preceded by “trigger warnings” of graphic content.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

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

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

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Because of the lurid tales we read and our vivid imaginations and, probably, memories of our brief but hectic lives, Bailey and I were afflicted—he physically and I mentally.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

lurid

Example Sentences

Related Words