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
Later in the episode, Schlessinger says Belfort would host lavish parties at his home. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 From professional athletes to award-winning actors and singers, around 1,000 guests attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden. Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 15 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
  • Treatment methods Before prescribing TRT, doctors generally look for potentially reversible or temporary factors, including obesity, certain medications, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute illness and excessive alcohol use.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026
  • Used thoughtfully, such tools can help organizations identify patterns associated with burnout, including staffing imbalances, unsustainable workloads, excessive overtime or workflow bottlenecks.
    Jennifer Lee, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • International flights often carry a high premium compared with domestic routes — and the planes serving them generally have more luxurious seats on board.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026
  • Kidman, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday, ensured Antonia’s 55th birthday celebration was one for the books with a luxurious stop in Portofino.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 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 average song would be a couple of minutes, and four would seem like an extravagant jam.
    Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • Meteorite from Sebastián Múnera follows two young women on a journey through an extravagant amusement park built on the estate of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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