lavish 1 of 2

Definition of lavishnext
1
2
3

lavish

2 of 2

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
This hotel, after all, was 300 years old, dating back to a pre-Revolutionary time when whaling captains built their fortunes on the high seas, and would return to Martha’s Vineyard to live large in their lavish homes. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026 The property includes 18 luxury bedrooms and five lavish suites. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 May 2026
Verb
Trump’s decision, focused on maintaining stability, has led to the warmest relations between Washington and Caracas in years, with Rodriguez and Trump lavishing praise on each other. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2026 Both had lucrative jobs elsewhere, but Altman lavished them with attention. Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • California does a good job verifying its voter rolls, but there’s no harm in requiring an ID provided the requirements don’t create excessive hurdles for those who may not have a driver’s license.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
  • One of the most common — excessive hair growth, known medically as hirsutism — can have a profound impact on confidence and emotional well-being.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The park is famous for its hiking trails, abundant wildlife like the bruin buddy above, and vibrant flora.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Mapping the seafloor With oceans covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, the marine ecosystem is the largest and most abundant in the world.
    Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Dry Goods and its sibling stores, Wild Life and Workshop, had music from former first lady of France Carla Bruni playing over the stereo and were heavy on Belgian and Japanese lines that were equal parts luxurious (silk) and frumpy (boxy).
    Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The luxurious-feeling moisturizer contains a ferment concentrate to fade sun spots or dark spots, and to combat wrinkles for a more resilient finish.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And then to add insult to that heaping helping of figurative injury, the nachos took some collateral damage and were effectively ruined.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
  • The setup ranges from a bathtub heaped with ice cubes to a quick dip in a frigid lake or ocean.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This is not fusion, but testament to the world as one big town, as perhaps only a third-culture kid — with Filipino and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, and a girlhood spent in the Deep South — would know.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Barker worked at Starbucks and spent every free moment writing and shooting.
    Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most extravagant feature is the primary suite’s three-story custom wardrobe.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • The convertible, part of the company's new Coachbuild Collection, will be unabashedly costly and extravagant -- Rolls-Royce's CEO Chris Brownridge is coy about the price when asked -- and illustrates how the 120-year-old brand continues to reinvent itself.
    Morgan Korn, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Supplying essential nutrients can increase fruit size and yield, resulting in a more plentiful and flavorful harvest.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
  • Offense was plentiful for both groups despite a low score through the first six innings.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The interiors of the standard overwater and deluxe overwater villas are the same, but the view is different; standard villas look out on the sea and others opposite them.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
  • In addition to the standard digital release, the collection will be available in both standard and deluxe physical editions.
    Kennedy French, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lavish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster