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
Gunna released a lavish visual to accompany the single, which stars American tennis phenom Coco Gauff. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 These canny revolutionaries recognized that see-and-be-seen lobbies and buzzy bar-restaurants were just as important as the beds upstairs—though a few lavish suites still gave big spenders room to splurge. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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
  • During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Though local talent is abundant, there are few resources to develop homegrown IP.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • By ditching expensive cobalt and nickel for cheap, abundant iron, automakers lower costs while creating a battery that is safer and less prone to fire.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Turn it into a complete hair-care package by adding a silky scrunchie, a scalp massager, a luxurious hair mask, or a new brush.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Making casual clothes look luxurious was hardly new, but Cucinelli did it in a way that flattered changing body shapes while establishing an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Willis heaped more praises on the rookie receiver following the Vikings loss.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The frontman said he was humbled by the action and was touched to spend time with members of the Minneapolis community who worked on the front lines during the ICE surge.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI, for example, expects to spend more than $25 billion on training alone this year.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Like most of the country’s entries over the past decade, this blockbuster epic — a summer box office hit at home — makes for an extravagant display of the strength of the nation’s commercial film industry.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Noem was also under fire for extravagant spending at the department, while placing restrictions on FEMA disaster relief funds.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Elsewhere in the store, staff were busy stocking shelves, and most products were in plentiful supply.
    — JOHN LEICESTER, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Fraser is not alone in picking his second right away; Alex makes Matt his lead deckhand, given his plentiful experience.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Joji is also getting in on the fun with a deluxe edition of Piss In The Wind, featuring new tracks and instrumentals.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson’s work in music includes the albums Sound of a Woman, released earlier this year (a deluxe version dropped in September); AM/FM; Rita Wilson; Bigger Picture, and Halfway to Home.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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