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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
Meanwhile, those same institutions hand out coaching contracts worth tens of millions of dollars, employ armies of analysts and support staff, build lavish facilities and pay enormous buyouts to coaches who fail. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026 The shipyard’s 700 Sky, the latest example of the highly successful 73-foot model—and the ninth to be built by the Polish yard—features a new interior more commonly found on larger, more lavish vessels. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 June 2026
Verb
Friends have spent weeks lavishing praise on the man and his work. ABC News, 8 May 2026 On a beachfront centered between Da Nang and Hoi An, the TIA Wellness Resort is a retreat that combines inspiring wellness with lavishing its guests with the luxury of a premium Vietnamese resort. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Officers placed McClain in a neck hold while Cooper and Cichuniec injected him with an excessive dose of ketamine.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The expansion followed numerous complaints from American shippers in the wake of global supply chain bottlenecks throughout 2021 and 2022, who had alleged that container shipping companies were bypassing them for service and charging them excessive late fees.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • When farmers implemented regenerative techniques, the yield was more abundant, and the soil was full of microbial life.
    Special to The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026
  • The highlight of your month arrives on June 9, when Venus and Jupiter align in your sign in one of the most abundant and feel-good transits of the year.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ticket prices range from approximately $63 for the most basic type of accommodation in off-peak times to $334 for the most luxurious suites during peak seasons.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • Today, Sagamore belongs to the Opal Collection, which has luxurious properties up and down the East Coast.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes recruiters try to sell players, heaping praise on the targets and promising playing time.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 1 June 2026
  • Pete Davidson is heaping praise on ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian for her recent TV and film roles.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • But despite securing a conviction, investigators spent decades trying to determine the identity of the teenage victim.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
  • Specifically, Hanold noted that $152 million spent by Permian equates to almost one quarter of drilling, based on this year's pace.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The nurturing Moon centers your 2nd House of Finances as a supportive trine links to extravagant Jupiter in your 10th House of Career today beautifully.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026
  • Despite her reluctance, Ava decides to show up for her best friend, and the two embark on an extravagant European trip that involves driving stick shift in the streets of Paris, high-end dining, shopping and clubbing until dawn.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Castine, Maine Pristine sandy beaches like Wadsworth Cove might be scarce in this small waterfront village, but Castine makes up for it with a rich seafaring history and plentiful water activities.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
  • Ergonomics are excellent, storage for small items is abundant, and charging ports are plentiful throughout the cabin.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Although Kirby Smart and mascot Hairy Dawg made the rather crowded deluxe cover of the college football game in 2026, no Georgia or Georgia Tech player has ever received such an honor.
    Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • Last year’s game featured the receiving duo of Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams on the standard cover, along with a host of players and coaches on the deluxe cover.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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