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
Visitors can roam its lavish halls to admire the intricate decorations and furnishings in its opulent interiors, from the Throne Room to the Royal Armory. Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Beef‘s second season sees Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny play a young couple working at a lavish country club in Montecito, California. Simon Thompson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Although much attention was lavished on their July 1986 royal wedding, their married life was complicated by scandal. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 July 2026 The old temples of Tamil Nadu are a treasure-trove of forms incised on stone or magicked from brass, and lavished daily with fruit and flowers, incense and sandalwood, music and light. Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Even so, the view here is that the harsh criticism of Romo and Nantz has been excessive among some media critics.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues that overparenting and excessive screen time are driving declines in youth mental health.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Pious femininity was being acted out with costumes, makeup, and abundant use of amen.
    Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Although bacteria are the most abundant members, the gut is also home to archaea, fungi, viruses, and other agents.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This bedroom’s luxurious bath features beautiful tile, two sinks, each with its own vanity, a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and a separate room for the commode.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Within a mind-spinning eight months, Zori Timeless Hotel was born, cleverly converted from the old pension into four luxurious residences within the confines of strict planning regulations that forced them to use the existing space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Juicy chicken, squash, red onion, and walnuts cook together on a sheet pan, then get heaped over arugula for a cold-weather salad that satisfies like a Sunday roast.
    Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The bulk of the country is now officially in drought, heaping pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Moore, a 47-year-old elementary school teacher, had spent most of his career teaching children around Summer’s age.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Many spend hours in mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit) temperatures with little shade.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The metaverse, an extravagant bet on a weird virtual future, flopped.
    Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The potential answers to these plentiful questions are all over the map and tend to instigate acrimonious debates.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Each room is thoughtfully designed for travelers looking to unwind—luxurious beds, tasteful lighting, boho-minimal decor, and plentiful smart storage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For families Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In the years after Peart’s death, surviving Rush bassist/singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson worked on their individual solo projects while their classic albums were reissued as deluxe anniversary packages.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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