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Definition of lavishnext
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lavish

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lavish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lavish are exuberant, lush, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When might exuberant be a better fit than lavish?

The words exuberant and lavish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

In what contexts can lush take the place of lavish?

In some situations, the words lush and lavish are roughly equivalent. However, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When is it sensible to use luxuriant instead of lavish?

Although the words luxuriant and lavish have much in common, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When is prodigal a more appropriate choice than lavish?

The synonyms prodigal and lavish are sometimes interchangeable, but prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When would profuse be a good substitute for lavish?

The meanings of profuse and lavish largely overlap; however, profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

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 lavish
Adjective
Since 2024, lawmakers have hosted fundraisers at Beyoncé and Taylor Swift concerts, Disneyland, Las Vegas and lavish resorts such as Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026 The Sphere show, which put Dead & Company amid a lavish multimedia spectacle that employed materials from the Grateful Dead’s expansive archives, was thought by many to be Mayer’s baby. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
Regardless of the astronomical price a bottle may fetch or the attention lavished upon it by doting admirers, wine is, at its essence, an agricultural product, one whose economic value in the United States is $323 billion. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2025 Trump also lavished the Saudi ruler this week with some of Washington's highest honors for a foreign dignitary, deepening the business and military relationship between the two nations. Stephen Groves, Arkansas Online, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • This can include excessive trim details, contrasting paint colors on every wall, or ceiling features that are too deep or too busy for the size of the room.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The President’s threat landed hours after a judge decided not to issue a temporary restraining order after Minnesota and the Twin Cities filed a lawsuit against federal officials, citing excessive force being used by agents.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Because the dopants are earth-abundant, the synthesis uses conventional solid-state processing, and no inert atmosphere is required, the approach aligns well with existing gigafactory infrastructure.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • High ceilings in primary living areas will add a sense of space, as will numerous generously sized windows that provide abundant natural light.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The memory foam insole is a dream for long travel days, and the slip-on design makes breezing through TSA feel almost luxurious.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The luxurious face lotion reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to a blend of vitamins, amino acids, botanical extracts, and more.
    Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture in the center of a wrapper.
    Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Dec. 2025
  • The recipe yielded four heaping servings that would honestly go a lot further at a potluck.
    Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Joabe Barbosa, Matthew Plese and Omar Yousaf spent the day riding the entire MARTA rail system in an attempt to complete the full route in roughly three hours.
    Kaley Fedko, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Visitors can spend their entire trip switching off between the two, but be sure to take some time to explore the rocky cove beaches called calas that have made Costa Blanca famous.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The archival dress is Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture 2003, a classic yet modern, extravagant French Haute Couture creation, complete with hundreds of yards of silk tulle.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • During her time as queen, Marie Antoinette was known for her extravagant fashions and lavish parties, and her jewelry was no different.
    Elle Meier, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • One has a drier environment with plentiful airflow, while the other has a humid climate.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Travel headaches were plentiful throughout the two-day ordeal, with luggage being separated from its owners as flights across the country trickled to a stop.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing on the name of Judd Apatow’s 2008 film Step Brothers, the pair unveiled the first installment of their series of the same name over a decade ago, sparking a cult-classic run that now spans four installments and multiple deluxe editions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In October, Gossett seized on Westward‘s momentum with a deluxe version featuring three additional tracks.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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