Synonym Chooser

How is the word luxurious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of luxurious are sensual, sensuous, and voluptuous. While all these words mean "relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses," luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of luxurious?

The synonyms sensual and luxurious are sometimes interchangeable, but sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

When is sensuous a more appropriate choice than luxurious?

In some situations, the words sensuous and luxurious are roughly equivalent. However, sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

When might voluptuous be a better fit than luxurious?

The meanings of voluptuous and luxurious largely overlap; however, voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

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 luxurious Sleek booties and a luxurious leather shoulder bag complete the look, giving the ensemble an elevated appearance that’s fit for even the most sophisticated destinations. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025 In fact, a recent report from vacation-home co-ownership platform Pacaso shows smaller homes are becoming more luxurious and are gaining popularity among high net-worth individuals. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 The outdoor pool is a luxurious respite during the steamy months in this southern Chinese city. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 9 Sep. 2025 In a park-like setting, luxurious outdoor amenities include sprawling lawns, a soaking tub, bocce ball court, koi ponds, Zen gardens, multiple outdoor view decks and fire pits. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • With only 22 residences, this ultra-luxury property is intimate in scale.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In 2022, a Chenequa house on the opposite side of the lake sold for $15 million as part of a post-pandemic ultra-luxury home boom in Wisconsin.
    Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Donna Summer passed away more than a decade ago in 2012, leaving behind an incredible legacy of upbeat dance music and sensual R&B-leaning tunes.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Interactions should be pleasant, sensual or charming.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The summer of 2025 was essentially a deluxe version of 2022.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the drinks flow during a gathering of faculty and PhD students at their deluxe digs, Alma’s doting husband Frederick (Michael Stuhlbarg), another shrink, teasingly asks what happens if one of them gets tenure and the other doesn’t.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Highlights include intimate portraits by Nan Goldin and a monochrome image of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe during their hedonistic era in New York.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Etienne’s aesthetic has always trafficked in the conventions of dance-pop, but their songs are hopeful and wide-eyed, avoiding any hints of hedonistic decadence.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a beard provided a simpler solution: a luxuriant facial covering requiring only the occasional scissor trim—no barber necessary.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • The company also struck a distribution deal last year for its screenplay books, lavish tomes immortalizing A24’s most successful scripts, which are now available in bookstores around the world.
    Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The reveal came courtesy of renowned car dealer Landlord Jack, who showcased the vehicle and Kash Doll’s lavish gesture in a video shared online.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Derek commented that the dance was beautiful to watch and called her a breath of fresh air.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the colorful pages, each of the beautiful homes are featured along with family members.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meals are served per bungalow to your tastes but don’t forget to take a tour of the Dilmah Tea factory and experience an in-depth tasting with a tea sommelier or sumptuous high tea before heading back to Colombo.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • By 2023, the Golden Vines® had come to Paris, with Alain Ducasse preparing a sumptuous menu alongside highlights like Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux’s Echézeaux Grand Cru and, the world’s most expensive wine, Liber Pater, at the flamboyant Opéra Garnier.
    Liquid Icons, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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