lucid

adjective

ˈlü-səd How to pronounce lucid (audio)
Definition of lucidnext
1
as in clear
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation tried to make his instructions as lucid as possible so that everyone would understand what to do

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stable
having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions decided to make out her will while she was still lucid

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3
as in luminous
giving off or reflecting much light those lucid bands that spread across the arctic sky and are known as the northern lights

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lucid differ from other similar words?

The words clear and perspicuous are common synonyms of lucid. While all three words mean "quickly and easily understood," lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement.

a lucid explanation

Where would clear be a reasonable alternative to lucid?

While in some cases nearly identical to lucid, clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity.

clear instructions

In what contexts can perspicuous take the place of lucid?

The words perspicuous and lucid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear.

a perspicuous style

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 lucid The South London rapper-producer’s first album for Surf Gang is lucid, soulful, and expertly curated. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 Now, in his mid-eighties, the man behind the voice was still completely lucid. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 With all of this plot packed into the narrative, and much more, Nolan does a reasonably good job of keeping things lucid. — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026 Audiences peer into the heart of things, and the whole world suddenly becomes lucid. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lucid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lucid
  1. clear
  2. stable
  3. luminous
  4. obvious
  5. rational
  6. dazzling
  7. apparent
  8. normal
Adjective
  • On Friday, Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s head coach, confirmed Fernandez-Pardo, who had made clear his desire to leave, would not train with the squad until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Kayley and Nathan’s efforts are intercut with Kasandra opening her birthday present from Jeff (whose airways are now totally clear), a $100,000 diamond necklace.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Dark matter has never been detected, but it is believed to make up 85% of the total matter in the universe and help hold stars and galaxies in stable orbits.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the time of transport, two patients were in serious condition and four were in stable condition.
    — Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of stable
Adjective
  • To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Armani Beauty updated the formula for mature skin, infusing it with skincare ingredients that help to keep complexions luminous and plump during wear.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the drops have suspended pigments that melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, creating a more even skin tone with a natural, slightly luminous finish.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of luminous
Adjective
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Every one of those was a rational response to the incentive they were handed.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sprague said the level of planning Clancy did on the night of the killings implicated her as being in a state of rational thought.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Williams and Alcaraz, who were both returning from injuries, wowed fans with dazzling rallies and impassioned play in an opening-round win before they were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Two New York City icons shone a dazzling pink last night in honor of another icon, the great Dolly Parton, who died yesterday following a brief battle with cancer.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dazzling
Adjective
  • This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Colleges put limits on the right of students and teachers to express points of view that departed from this new apparent consensus.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • Although Edouard is not forecast to become a hurricane, the hurricane center has warned coastal residents to closely monitor the forecast as the storm is in an area of warmer than normal water and low wind shear, which favor strengthening.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That change was introduced to help give club staff working across transfer departments a more normal working pattern.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of normal

Browse Nearby Words

lucent
lucid
lucidity
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Cite this Entry

“Lucid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lucid. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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