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
The two were married on November 14, 1973, in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026 After appearing on and off the market several times over the last 12 years, the lavish estate was last publically listed earlier this year at the same price. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
The messages quickly took on a romantic tone, the lawsuit claims, all while the coach allegedly lavished the player with gifts, including direct payment of some $450 and AirPods worth another $400. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 The ceremony can be found on YouTube and includes Gloria Steinem lavishing the character with praise. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • The lack of transparency in the incentives’ application process, alongside excessive bureaucracy and uncertainty, remain issues, although Japanese industry folk have similar complaints about applying for export support.
    — Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Wolf of Wall Street, the Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie movie about Belfort’s wild and excessive life as a New York stockbroker and boiler room boss, was released through Paramount Pictures.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • That is because magmatic gases like hydrogen chloride would have been more abundant in the past, creating a thicker Martian atmosphere and warmer climate.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Lithium grabs the spotlight, but cheap and abundant sodium has long held the key to large-scale energy storage.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Made with Malabar black pepper imported directly from India, beef jus, cream and lots of cognac, the luxurious sauce is drizzled over a 12-ounce prime striploin.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • My 50-minute massage was enhanced by a collagen face mask with pumpkin extract—a new one to me, but a welcome add-on that felt super luxurious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Trump has blamed high global fuel prices on Ukraine, and heaped pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian refineries even as Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine’s towns, cities, and energy infrastructure.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The universal glee of getting tacos (Silvia Razgova) Picture the moment when a taquero hands you a warm paper plate heaping with warm tortillas and meats on a street in Los Angeles.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The feature can analyze account balances, transactions, spending patterns and upcoming payments, helping users understand their finances without manually checking multiple banking apps.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In reality, 19 was a stressful and lonely time, spent mostly in the libraries of my frigid college town or fighting with my boyfriend in the dining hall.
    — Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Prosecutors said Sherman, from September 2015 through May 2025, stole nearly $18 million from her employer to pay off her extravagant credit card expenses.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Our children were far too excited to sleep, so joined us for extravagant hot chocolates instead.
    — Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • From baskets to desk organizers, the options are plentiful, and they’re priced right.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The café is takeout only with plentiful seating indoors and theoretically outdoors.
    — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The deluxe version, the Paper Pro ($629), has a big screen and can be expanded with a keyboard.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2026
  • My deluxe room on the second floor had high ceilings and views of the Swiss Institute across the street.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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