lurid
word
Definition
Something lurid is shocking, unpleasantly vivid, or sensational, often because it involves violence, sex, or scandal. It can also refer to things that are very bright in a way that is not attractive.
Usage & Nuances
'Lurid' is often used in journalism or art criticism to criticize things that are exaggerated, overly dramatic, or disturbingly detailed. It can describe both stories (like 'lurid headlines') and visual things ('lurid colors'). It's mainly used in formal or literary English.
Example Sentences
The newspaper had a lurid story about the crime.
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She painted her room a lurid shade of pink.
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Many horror movies are known for their lurid details.
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The book was filled with lurid descriptions that made some readers uncomfortable.
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People were drawn to the lurid headlines, even though the facts were simple.
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That movie's colors were so lurid, I had to look away.
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