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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
For now, the closest thing to another A24 eatery is the new Ambassadors Clubhouse, a lavish Indian restaurant imported from London that shares a building with the studio’s offices in Koreatown and by extension some of A24’s aura. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 The villa delivers highly personalized service, such as toddler essentials, lavish breakfasts, and unlimited Leclerc Briant Champagne sourced from nearby vineyards. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Verb
The Lemme co-founder marked another turn around the sun, surrounded by family who lavished her with treats. Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 Trump’s decision, focused on maintaining stability, has led to the warmest relations between Washington and Caracas in years, with Rodriguez and Trump lavishing praise on each other. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • The two highest-ranking Republicans in the state legislature called Wednesday for former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart to consider dropping out of the governor’s race over reported excessive spending on the city’s credit card.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott of Collin County filed a complaint this month against Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm in Frisco, alleging their 3-year-old son was the victim of excessive physical force that included yanking, spanking and smacking the toddler.
    Lina Ruiz May 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mahan proposed incentivizing electric vehicle owners to charge midday, when solar energy is abundant, and plug into the grid at night, a move Hilton dismissed as impractical.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Today, information is abundant, and real insight is scarce.
    Dan Cavanaugh, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Set on a quiet street in heart of the Marais with its lively village atmosphere, luxurious Maison Proust is the ideal refuge for those who appreciate hotels with character, art, literature and history, and who seek a tranquil weekend escape in the heart of Paris.
    Ellie Seymour, TheWeek, 12 May 2026
  • Give your bedscape a luxurious upgrade.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Cooking utensils and small mounds of clothes are kept in plastic bags or heaped on the ground.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
    Shelly Westerhausen Worcel, Midwest Living, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The neighborhood It’d be easy to spend a week around Nay Palad’s beachfront area, alternating between dips in the pool, reading books in a hammock, and tours around the gin-clear water in a see-through kayak—but on-the-up Siargao is well worth exploring.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • What this narrative neglects are all the ways treatment might cause terrible side effects, or the long period one spends being sick, and how one’s identity may have changed in the interim.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The extravagant villa took a decade to build and was completed in 2018, crafted by architect and designer Peter Marino.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • From cheeky shots of celebrities like Jane Fonda and Arnold Schwarzenegger to extravagant, sensual portfolios of America’s Olympic squads, the magazine’s pantheon of photographers have helped to define the genre of sports portraiture.
    Kahina Sekkaï, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ocean-front suites and plentiful alcohol Prosecutors asked Stapp about several high-dollar union conferences and meetings.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • England might not be known for plentiful sunny days, but Cornwall—the rugged peninsula on the country's southwestern tip—is actually home some of the best beaches in Europe.
    Ali Pantony, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Fans are already scheming how this might happen — whether Kahan releases a deluxe version of The Great Divide and Bridgers appears, or something else entirely.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026
  • Pick up some Georgia peaches from the farm stand and give them the deluxe treatment.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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