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 The house’s logo take on a minimalist form here, and the bag itself is made from a combination of sturdy aluminum and chic canvas for a luxurious finish. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025 Its cabin is predictably luxurious, comprised of premium materials and surfaces. Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025 The best part, however, is the subtle, luxurious notes of bergamot, black pepper, sandalwood, and ginger that linger on the skin. Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025 There are also salads and carpaccio, plus luxurious choices like caviar service and the requisite seafood tower. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Many Radiohead fans were a little disappointed when the 30th anniversary of The Bends came and went this past March without a deluxe reissue or any sort of acknowledgement.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
  • But shortly after, Minaj threw barbs as SZA’s career, criticizing her decision to re-release her 2022 album SOS as the deluxe version Lana last year.
    Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The book was created using a biological, sensual craft, as well as a cerebral one.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The exaggerated shape and high arch built on Givenchy’s early codes, both sculptural and sensual.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • One that would sit above the likes of Lexus as Toyota’s ultra-luxury spin-off.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Median days on market for 90th percentile listings were 79 in September, while ultra-luxury homes can spend more than 100 days before selling.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Eli Roth's follow-up to his breakthrough feature Cabin Fever (2002) starts off as a satire of some of the ugliest Americans ever to travel abroad, following the exploits of a group of hedonistic frat-boy types partying their way across Europe.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Survive a series of hedonistic trials and be rewarded with an endless lifetime of pleasure; fail, and be offered as a sacrifice to the gods.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An informal cut, perhaps, though the top’s material — a luxuriant silk crepe — helped elevate the look.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Kris' birthday party comes days after the Kardashian-Jenner family celebrated Kendall turning 30 at a lavish beachfront destination.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, endless construction, the Siegels’ lavish (but tacky) lifestyle and their chaotic family life buzz in the background.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Big Lonely Doug is a sight to behold—achingly beautiful yet incredibly sad.
    Brad Badelt, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Tailoring is core to the DNA of VB and so every collection includes beautiful cashmere or wool coats that have a fashion-forward design, but also won’t date quickly.
    Emma Spedding, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratanaruang’s take on the concept is broadly similar, as his film uses the sumptuous dishes prepared by its protagonist to express her hurt and resentment.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Panera baked up three sweet new seasonal treats for the holidays, including a sumptuous frozen hot chocolate and a mini vanilla cake with flavors of creme brulee.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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