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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

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 fantasy story is set in a world of emperors and empresses, replete with castles and lavish costumes. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026 Aqua Expeditions Specializing in lavish small‑ship voyages to some of the planet’s most pristine and remote waters, Aqua Expeditions’ newest vessel, Aqua Lares, is a 77‑meter expedition superyacht designed for adventurous travelers who crave a high dose of comfort with their outdoor escapades. Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
In those earliest days, the local newspaper, the Daily Arkansas Gazette, lavished praise on the establishment, comparing it to the likes of Chicago’s Palmer House. Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026 With revenues soaring, the late President Hugo Chávez, a left-wing populist, lavished cash on Venezuelan masses long excluded from the petroleum windfall. Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Illinois Senate President Don Harmon should pass legislation granting the Illinois Department of Insurance the power to reject excessive rate hikes by insurance companies regarding homeowners’ insurance rates.
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The National Park Service warns that excessive saltwater intrusion can weaken the trees over time, and in some cases, eventually kill them.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bok globules are abundant throughout all gas-rich and dust-rich galaxies, and can be found in many different locations in our own Milky Way.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But the political red flags are abundant right now for Republicans.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the way Marchenko insists on drawing lines of uncomplicated beauty through the howling darkness of these songs gives his solitude a luxurious, almost decadent quality.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Striking new lights — inside and out — add to the visual appeal of a luxurious new interior and entirely new exterior.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As if Claire needs more trauma heaped on her, this is when Tom, Malva, and Allan Christie move to the Ridge with all their incestuous drama.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 26 Mar. 2026
  • John Lindsay opposed the Vietnam War; Ed Koch heaped abuse on the Palestine Liberation Organization; David Dinkins spoke out in favor of dismantling South African apartheid; Rudy Giuliani ejected Yasser Arafat from a concert at Lincoln Center.
    Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At thirty-three, Chalker was older than most of his classmates, with more experience professionally and abroad, and he was tapped to spend a day with James Pavitt, then the agency’s director of operations.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • After Brooklyn spent two quarters playing mostly clean, the third quarter got loose.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square, 21 Royal Street was used variously over the years as an exhibit and gallery space and since 2017 has been the location of an extravagant private dining experience.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There is no shortage of extravagant beachfront villas in the Caribbean, but this one distinguishes itself by combining the best of neo-classical design with a touch of whimsy.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The service Casually dressed in khaki and terracotta linen and Vans sneakers, the young staff are plentiful but not always on point.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Etebari, who spoke Friday night at a Valparaiso International Center event, noted that Iran has the world’s second-largest copper mine as well as plentiful gas, oil and coal.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The ground-level studio apartment, which serves as a deluxe guest suite, has its own kitchen, full bathroom, and washer/dryer unit.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Pre-order Aster's deluxe limited-edition at Amazon now.
    Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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