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
Both Israeli supporters, Jeffries and Clark, have benefited greatly from lavish campaign contributions from AIPAC — the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026 The singer married Travis Kelce in a lavish New York City ceremony on July 3. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Verb
In one particularly confessional episode, the Belgian star lavishes his wife with praise while waxing lyrical about his past mistakes. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Black residents of the city have expressed fear of harassment and concerns about trading high crime for excessive policing.
    Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • For those below, these coastal areas offer young sharks warm water, abundant food and relative safety during one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • When nutrients are abundant, plants may forgo the partnership.
    Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Design Within Reach aims to make luxurious designer furniture pieces from the past and present just a little more accessible for online shoppers.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
  • Shunya will be able to fly a pilot and either six passengers with a bit of luggage, or four in more luxurious seating.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Almost daily long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and heaped political pressure on the Kremlin as its all-out invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Almost daily long-range attacks on Russian oil facilities have created a fuel crisis and heaped political pressure on the Kremlin as its all-out invasion of Ukraine stretches into its fifth year.
    Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • However, Morehouse, who has spent more than a decade campaigning for the return of American children abducted to Japan, doubts the amendment to Japan’s Civil Code will bring significant change.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • Berman, who spent 13 years as the NHL’s deputy general counsel and VP of community development, helped the league provide a grant for that program.
    PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • For Holland, Buffett, and Musk, accumulating wealth hasn’t necessarily translated into extravagant spending.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2026
  • Northland through my eyes Kansas City’s time in the limelight hosting World Cup matches and extravagant watch parties is quickly approaching its end.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Many foresters and fire ecologists argue the plentiful baby conifers behind Reichardt’s home will struggle to compete with the fast-growing shrubs for sunlight, water and soil nutrients.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Iced tea—now a southern summer staple—originated in the north, where ice was more plentiful.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Off Campus came at the perfect time, as the group released the deluxe version of their album, No Hard Feelings, just weeks after the show premiered.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
  • That latter tune is included as a bonus track on the deluxe digital version of the new album.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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