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 Revolving around the luxurious Hotel Costiera, the series follows Daniel De Luca (Jesse Williams), a retired Marine who now uses his talents as a fixer for the hotel. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 Back Bay’s Mandarin Oriental is elegant and luxurious, and conveniently connected to the shopping mall at the Prudential Center. Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 The accommodations are more luxurious than the average cruise cabin, too, though there is still a range of room types within each ship-within-a-ship. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 These silky sheets marry a polished design with a luxurious handfeel. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • At Bottega Veneta, the ultra-luxury leather coats exuded sophistication and craft, while the patent clogs already carry the aura of a future must-have.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t let the ultra-luxury brands preened for attention distract from the mission of the week, though; Monterey Car Week, a multi-day multi-venue event is intended to bring fans, families, enthusiasts and owners together to celebrate the heritage of automotive.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bieber’s iteration on the trend elevated the style to a cheeky, high-fashion moment with feminine touches and sensual edge.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • For the sensual and aesthetically-inclined Libras, Atlas says a hobby like candle making is a match made in heaven.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Frozen yogurt faithfuls can shop the deluxe version of this appliance to make this treat and even more desserts.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover, Breach was available across 15+ vinyl variants, three deluxe CDs and various streaming platforms, giving fans ample opportunity to collect different versions of the record, some of which house bonus tracks or alternative cover art.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Frida’s terminally ill mom, Victoria (Montse Guallar), escapes into a hedonistic haze of morphine, imperious behavior, and pansexual dalliances.
    Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The only thing that may be crazier than the actual football life is this satirical comedy-drama that has more to do with a hedonistic existence than play-action passes.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 Sep. 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
  • The lavish resort is a reconstructed Gilded Age hotel well-rehearsed in being discreet.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • She and McIlroy got married in 2017 On April 22, 2017, Stoll and McIlroy exchanged vows during a lavish ceremony at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland.
    Effie Orfanides, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then something really beautiful happens.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The fish was a beautiful, rich color and had great flavor, but the pieces were uneven in shape and size, with some of them clearly cut from the center of the fish and some from the thinner ends.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The fourth is congratulating the kid for finding Courtland Sutton over the top for a sumptuous 52-yard score on fourth-and-2.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The base of patchouli and musk adds depth for a magnetic, woodsy floral that will cling to your skin like a sumptuous suede jacket.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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