conspicuous consumption

noun

Definition of conspicuous consumptionnext
as in splurge

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 conspicuous consumption An online amalgam of conspicuous consumption, natural wonders, and manmade spectacles — like the world’s tallest tower, Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, and even, yes, the vivid green of Dubai Chocolate — has propelled the emirates to superlative measures of tourism and consumer behavior. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026 This was not cultural architecture as economic engine, but architectural complexity as conspicuous consumption—a questionable evolution, if also an appropriate one for the most valuable luxury conglomerate in the world. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026 Unlike conspicuous consumption, quiet luxury whispers rather than shouts, favoring rarity, meaning, and intentionality. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2025 Even before adolescence, the youth themselves are performing refinement—an early initiation into the aesthetics of conspicuous consumption. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conspicuous consumption
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conspicuous consumption
  1. splurge
  2. wastefulness
  3. lavishness
  4. generosity
  5. extravagance
  6. profusion
Noun
  • Olive oil and pasta are also worth the splurge, according to Shytsman.
    — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the hefty price tag, Travel + Leisure writers will tell you that the Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is worth the one-time splurge to avoid multiple baggage fees in the future.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
Definition of splurge
Noun
  • For all his wastefulness, those games have still brought 54 goals, a one-in-three ratio.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The humanitarian consequences of this wastefulness were well documented before last Wednesday.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of wastefulness
Noun
  • In 1661, King Louis XIV ordered construction that would transform a simple hunting lodge into what eventually became a testament to the lavishness of French royalty.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
  • Taking the latter to another level is the new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, the first two-seater from the marque’s division devoted to automotive lavishness.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Definition of lavishness
Noun
  • In my experience, companies that decline to run it voluntarily tend to end up running it under duress, with fewer options and less generosity available to their people.
    — Andrew Sorohan, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Sixteen first-time finishers received complimentary buckles through the generosity of Lynn Marks and Tom Noll, while five junior riders successfully completed the course.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • For rooms, the ADA Studio Coastline View room is 816 square feet of glorious view with a king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, and private patio for the ultimate in extravagance and ease.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
  • Rather than overwhelming diners with extravagance, each course builds thoughtfully toward the next.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • Nouvel’s adjustable floors turbocharge that flexibility, producing a profusion of spaces that can meet the ever-expanding demands of contemporary art.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
  • In this deep perennial border, Jordin layered tough perennials that deliver a profusion of color in the height of summer, including catmint, ‘Millenium’ allium, ‘Cinderella’ milkweed, and clary sage.
    — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
Definition of profusion

Browse Nearby Words

conspicuous
conspicuous consumption
conspicuously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous%20consumption. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous consumption

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conspicuous consumption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of colloquial

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All