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 their Canon 18x50 IS binoculars review, our expert Jason Parnell-Brookes awarded them four stars, lavishing praise on their optics, image stabilization, ease of use and more. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026 Likewise, Wong’s bricks are beyond compare in the attention lavished on each individual building block. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Tammy Abraham left soon after Tuchel arrived while most of the forwards — with the exceptions of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz — grew tired of the manager’s excessive candour.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • If the prospect of lines, crowds, and excessive noise is deterring you from a vacation this summer, then the area around Shippea Hill is the ultimate antidote.
    Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The pan de yuca, a gluten-free cheesy roll made from cassava starch is a standout, as is the abundant fresh fruit and fruit juice.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • While magnesium is relatively abundant, lithium and nickel are present in much smaller quantities.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 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
  • Their sparkling glass cases were full of heaping cream puffs, vivid cupcakes and caramel colored pastries.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The attacks have heaped pressure on Russia’s economy, which is already grappling with the worst fuel shortages since the fall of the Soviet Union.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Some key participants spend months getting ready for the celebrations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • The more modern versions alternate rough branches and irregular shapes with classic designs, transforming coral into a warm accent that immediately evokes the Mediterranean, Southern Italy, and summers spent by rocky shores and crystal-clear seas.
    Selene Oliva, Glamour, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The newlyweds, both 36, tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony at the iconic venue July 3, which took over the streets of Manhattan and required the New York Police to shut down the immediate vicinity.
    Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revealed how much Taylor Swift paid the city for her and Travis Kelce‘s extravagant Madison Square Garden wedding.
    Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • The plentiful drinking on display in stadiums stood in stark constrast to the World Cup held four years ago in Qatar, where the government banned the sale of alcoholic beer in match venues.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • Mini peanut butter cups were folded throughout, plentiful but balanced.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • This is the first time Dry Cleaning have released a deluxe version of any of their albums.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • My deluxe studio was an entry-level accommodation, with the green and blue color palate that all of the rooms employed to reflect the natural themes of the resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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