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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
The couple first wed in 2022 in Los Angeles, followed by a second lavish ceremony at a five-star resort in Sonoma Wine Country. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 17 June 2026 The show sends Pride & Prejudice‘s resident frump (a charming Ella Bruccoleri) on a journey of self-discovery filled with kindly relatives, enormous books, lavish balls and, yes, eligible suitors. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
Verb
Originally destined for slaughter during the Eid al-Adha festival, the 1,500-pound animal was seized by authorities, spared sacrifice and relocated to the capital’s zoo, where keepers lavish it with care. Al Emrun Garjon, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 An obvious contributor, also cited by Powell, is the king’s ransom being lavished on AI data centers, projected to reach almost $1 trillion this year, multiples of the number three years ago. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Too much iron can be dangerous, and excessive vitamin D may lead to high calcium levels and other complications.
    Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026
  • Study author Alexandros Vgontzas, MD, director of the Sleep Research and Treatment Center at Penn State College of Medicine, told Health the results suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged sleep latency may be important risk factors for hypertension.
    Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Would customers still choose us if intelligence itself became abundant and cheap?
    Carl Fritjofsson, Fortune, 19 June 2026
  • Of course, few of us look out at the world with a clear understanding of how abundant rewards are.
    Veronique Greenwood, Time, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Investing in a decadent body butter is like upgrading your flimsy blanket to a plush throw or changing scratchy sheets for a luxurious cotton set—the small change makes a huge difference in your life.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 16 June 2026
  • Thoughtful amenities include complimentary bottled water, hydration packets, and plush beds with a selection of Malouf pillows for a luxurious night’s sleep, while floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies or patios showcase the scenery.
    Tamara Gane, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • The Angels manager also heaped praise on his friend when asked what makes Kotsay special.
    Jason Burke, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
  • The attack’s value is both symbolic and economic, bringing the reality of war home to ordinary Russians through widespread disruption and heaping pressure on the production capacity that powers Moscow’s war efforts.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
  • Clare joins me now to share why readers are spending real time and money to live inside their favorite fictional stories.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Members of the monarchy wave from carriages, aristocrats don faintly cartoonish top hats and extravagant millinery threatens to obscure the view at every turn.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, USB-C ports are plentiful, and Nissan has managed to maintain a mostly intuitive user experience.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 June 2026
  • While some beaches remain wide and sand is plentiful, other beaches need human help — and when beach nourishment projects don’t happen, impacts become apparent.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, BTS widely shares a tune that was originally only featured on a deluxe version of Arirang, which was made available to purchase on vinyl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Although Kirby Smart and mascot Hairy Dawg made the rather crowded deluxe cover of the college football game in 2026, no Georgia or Georgia Tech player has ever received such an honor.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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