conspicuous consumption

noun

Definition of conspicuous consumptionnext
as in splurge

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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
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Buy now, pay later plans and revolving credit cards can make a splurge feel affordable in the moment, but the bill doesn’t disappear when the music stops.
    — byDavid Schepp, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 July 2026
Definition of splurge
Noun
  • The Bosnia captain got himself an assist, made a goal-line clearance, and was partly responsible for Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equaliser, which ensured Canada’s wastefulness didn’t stop them from earning a first World Cup point.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 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
  • 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
  • There’s an understated lavishness; no celebrity interior designers have been let loose and rooms have a lustrous palette of pinks, yellows and blues.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Definition of lavishness
Noun
  • Effective recovery depends not only on the generosity of the donations, but also on strategic approaches that can get the type of aid needed to the people who need it.
    — Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
  • In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.
    — Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026
Definition of generosity
Noun
  • Harvey Nichols, by contrast, brings something Next cannot build overnight - a heritage in luxury and extravagance.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Shows of extravagance like these have not been met with kindness in a world torn by war, inflation, soaring gas prices and political unrest.
    — Marc Malkin, Variety, 2 July 2026
Definition of extravagance
Noun
  • Many of these tracks barely touch two minutes, sometimes not even 90 seconds, and with such a profusion of directions, certain ideas feel fleeting to the point of frustration.
    — Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026
  • While these shrubs are low-maintenance, incorporating fertilizer into your care routine can improve plant health and spur new growth, resulting in a profusion of bold blooms.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026
Definition of profusion

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Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous%20consumption. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous consumption

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conspicuous consumption

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