luridly
gb/lˈɚɪdli/ us/lˈɚɪdli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a shocking, sensational way
In a way that tries to shock people with extreme details.
Usage pattern:
[something] is luridly described/depicted/reported
Common mistake:
Do not confuse this sense with the color/light meaning; here it usually refers to stories, descriptions, or reporting.
Synonyms
sensationally (Emphasizes excitement and shock for attention.)
|
graphically (Focuses on explicit detail, often disturbing.)
|
salaciously (Implies an interest in sexual scandal.)
Antonyms
restrainedly (In a controlled way without shocking detail.)
|
discreetly (Avoiding offensive or overly explicit detail.)
Collocations
luridly detailed
|luridly described
|luridly depicted
|luridly sensational
|luridly exaggerated
|luridly reported
|luridly worded
|luridly graphic
|luridly told
|luridly portrayed
Themes
media
|writing
|crime
Examples
- The tabloid luridly described the actor’s divorce, hinting at affairs and cover-ups.
- The article was luridly written, lingering on gruesome details of the crime scene.
- He luridly exaggerated the argument to make it sound like a public scandal.
Learner examples
- The story was luridly reported in the press.
- She luridly described the scene to shock her friends.
adverb
C1
property
2
with harsh, bright vivid color
With very bright, strong colors or light, often too strong.
Usage pattern:
[something] is luridly colored/bright/lit
Common mistake:
This meaning is about color or light; it does not mean simply 'beautifully bright'.
Synonyms
garishly (Strongly suggests bad taste or showiness.)
|
gaudily (Implies excessive decoration or brightness.)
|
brightly (More neutral; lacks the negative, harsh edge.)
Antonyms
subtly (Not intense; gently done.)
|
mutedly (With softened, less intense color or light.)
Collocations
luridly colored
|luridly bright
|luridly lit
|luridly fluorescent
|luridly painted
|luridly illuminated
|luridly glowing
|luridly vivid
|luridly neon
|luridly stained
Themes
art
|appearance
|design
Examples
- The diner was luridly lit in pink and green neon.
- A luridly colored poster covered the entire wall.
- The sky turned luridly orange as the wildfire spread.
Learner examples
- The sign was luridly bright at night.
adverb
literary
C2
property
3
in an unpleasantly vivid way
Very clearly and vividly, in a way that feels unpleasant.
Usage pattern:
[something] is luridly clear/obvious/apparent
Common mistake:
Often appears with words like clear/obvious/apparent; it implies an unsettling vividness, not just clarity.
Synonyms
vividly (Neutral; does not necessarily suggest something disturbing.)
|
starkly (Emphasizes sharp, uncompromising clarity.)
Antonyms
vaguely (Not clear or distinct.)
|
faintly (Only slightly noticeable or remembered.)
Collocations
luridly clear
|luridly obvious
|luridly apparent
|luridly revealed
|luridly exposed
|luridly demonstrated
|luridly illustrated
|luridly remembered
Themes
communication
|emotions
Examples
- The report made luridly clear how badly the system had failed.
- In the harsh light, every bruise was luridly apparent.
- The nightmare returned, luridly vivid in his memory.
Learner examples
- The mistake was luridly obvious.
Grammar
Dictionary form
luridly
IPA
GB/lˈɚɪdli/
US/lˈɚɪdli/
Syllables & stress
lur - idly (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lur)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: luridly
- Plural: luridlies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.