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
Accommodations range from inside staterooms to lavish suites. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Sequestered in a lavish mansion, in each of their rooms is a mysterious welcome gift — a box. — Peter White, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
Altman had been making note of Kushner’s investment in founders at splashy startups, including Slack, Instacart, and payment giant Stripe—staying loyal and lavishing them with attention even during rocky stretches. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Its following includes Emmy voters, who lavished the series with 19 nominations, the most of any new series this year. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Higher energy density is particularly useful for drones because batteries must provide enough power and endurance without adding excessive weight.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Through this, scientists want to gain clarity over the legal responsibilities of launching states to preserve near-Earth space from orbital clutter and the dark night sky from excessive light pollution.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Hydrogen-boron fusion, by contrast, relies on comparatively abundant fuels and primarily produces charged alpha particles rather than high-energy neutrons.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Jazz was financially accessible, the culture was alive and shows were abundant.
    — Mary Carreon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There is something debauched and luxurious about Durham’s photos, and not just because everyone in them is dressed as French aristocrats guzzling champagne and popping bon-bons.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Per Johnson’s worldview, heaping more debt burdens on future taxpayers is a way to redress inequities rather than a necessary tool to maintain the city’s infrastructure.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But the White House heaped the blame for the episode at Barr’s feet, while stopping short of calling for his firing.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hochul's announcement came shortly after dozens of students and community members spent hours demanding transparency and accountability from university leaders at a forum sponsored by Cornell's student government.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this year, César Alvarez spent far too much of their play The Potluck having their onstage avatar wiggle around on the hook of writing The Potluck.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The blue carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a sea of extravagant and unconventional ensembles featuring plenty of fur, feathers, and fringe.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the brand’s spring 2027 collection didn’t take second place to the extravagant little details founders Corrada Rodriguez d’Acri, Delfina Pinardi and Maria Sole Torlonia added to their seasonal presentation.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In a wet year when food is plentiful, your best bet is to hunt over soft mast like muscadines and assorted berries; native grasses and legumes.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This means that while Australia's aid is providing Fiji with plentiful access to medications such as PrEP pills to block HIV infections, getting these drugs to the right people is not straightforward.
    — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Billy Joel’s Turnstiles is getting the deluxe treatment for its 50th anniversary.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants deluxe anniversary edition is available now, wherever books are sold.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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