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
As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes. Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
While many soccer fans and media observers have given Fox a mixed report card compared with ESPN, Pitaro lavished praise on his competitor. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 July 2026 Although much attention was lavished on their July 1986 royal wedding, their married life was complicated by scandal. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • There has been some discussion about whether tripling up on Chelsea in attack is excessive or puts too many eggs in one basket.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • That includes the power outage shutting down cell phone networks and Sunburn deliberately not being preachy about the often-talked about mental health risks for young people from excessive technology use.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Sodium is considerably more abundant and widely distributed than lithium, potentially giving sodium-ion batteries an advantage in resource availability.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • When something becomes abundant, its individual value declines.
    Nick Leighton, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The family-friendly resort offers a host of amenities, including complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to use at the private beach, two heated pools, a luxurious spa, and more.
    Megan duBois, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, the tapestry’s most singular attribute is its luxurious use of horizontal space.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Dolly Dollop Referenced in Good Lookin’ Cookin’, the unofficial measurement refers to a heaping spoonful.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Burger Barn dresses up its patties with heaping stacks of pastrami, though the classic cheeseburger is also a crowd-pleaser.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Home-server owners will already understand the attraction, and the pro’s solved this ages ago but spent a lot more than this.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The president responded by saying his administration wouldn't spend the $257 million appropriated by Congress on renovating the building unless the building also bears his name.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite.
    Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Bob Mackie, the designer whose glittering, extravagant creations helped define the look of some of the 20th century’s biggest stars, has died at 87.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite this modest tourism boom, the town retains plentiful architectural evidence of its history as a turn-of-the-century manufacturing hub, with an abundance of red-brick and steel edifices lining its streets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Buildings drip with embellishments; monuments to the city’s writers, artists and musicians seem to be on every corner, and the public transit system and plentiful taxis made for a fun and easy whistle-stop tour of some of Budapest’s main sites.
    Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Leading up to the anniversary, Beyoncé launched pre-orders for a deluxe vinyl being sold for $150.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The new 31-track album marks a return to the original album’s deluxe version, which features Spanish-language tracks.
    Rushawn Walters, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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