#1 luridness n. [sensationalism] the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes; "the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation". wn #2 luridness n. [lividness, lividity, paleness, pallidness, pallor, wanness, achromasia] unnatural lack of color in the skin (as from bruising or sickness or emotional distress). wn #3 luridness n. [ghastliness, grimness, gruesomeness] the quality of being ghastly. wn