Definition of luxuriousnext

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 To find the most luxurious neighborhoods, Redfin analyzed the ones in the 65th percentile of these ratings. Greta Cross, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Here’s what to know about the luxurious Beaverbrook Hotel, where Zendaya and Tom Holland reportedly hosted their wedding reception. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 The company hopes that this will help move the longtime model firmly into even more luxurious territory. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026 No, no, Moss opted for carting around a luxurious black Hermès Birkin bag, complete with gold hardware (to match the jewels, of course). Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • For families Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In the years after Peart’s death, surviving Rush bassist/singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson worked on their individual solo projects while their classic albums were reissued as deluxe anniversary packages.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Creative flow grows as sensual Venus moves through your 5th House of Creativity, while imaginative Neptune contrasts from your 11th House of Friends and Aspirations.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • That exchange starts an open question of power between the two, and their sensual fried-chicken dinner is the first round of the negotiation.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • By the time the sixth ship rolls out, Explora Journeys president Anna Nash said, the company will account for about 25% of global ultra-luxury cruise capacity.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The condo’s listing price is on par with a new ultra-luxury development on the island, The Mansions at Fisher Island.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Johnson adds that Woodall’s Sal also represents Bourdain’s hedonistic side.
    Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Under the Catalonian sun, a rich white American family lives in hedonistic isolation, seeking love and validation through one another, their designer wardrobes and pop music.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • At the end of the fifth group, one girl’s face blossomed into a radiant flower, and another drew herself with luxuriant pigtails, standing beneath a bright red beating heart.
    James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Daniel Mendelsohn, the most recent translator of the Odyssey, preserves that scheme, writing a detailed, luxuriant, often beautiful line.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Marbella is once again attracting a moneyed, glamorous crowd, with sybaritic beach clubs, fashion pop-ups, standout restaurants, and sprawling spas that promise head-to-toe pampering.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • For centuries, India’s rulers treasured these precious stones, decorating their palaces, thrones, and crowns with them, and wearing them in lavish displays of wealth and opulence.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Besides golf and the lavish new spa, the signature resort attraction is its legendary equestrian center, operated for over 30 years.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The trumpets required skilled metal workers capable of making both a beautiful and working musical instrument.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In a city filled with incredible architecture and spellbinding heritage buildings, the Ortaköy Mosque is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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