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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
Eating and drinking Breakfast at the Sacher is a princely affair, consisting of a lavish buffet and an a la carte menu of cooked options. Caroline Law, TheWeek, 9 Feb. 2026 In a more porous era, he might have been kept on lavish retainer by a Medici. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Pretti was also passionate about the outdoors A competitive bicycle racer who lavished care on his new Audi, Pretti had also been deeply attached to his dog, who died about a year ago. Michael Biesecker, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2026 Huang is far from the only tech leader lavishing Trump with praise. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • It was ruled a Flagrant 1 excessive foul, but not a dangerous Flagrant 2 foul, so Jamerson was not ejected from the game.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Taking vitamin D alongside a multivitamin is generally safe for most people, but understanding dosing, absorption, and potential risks is important to avoid excessive intake.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Built from abundant molecular precursors, these polymer systems offer intrinsic structural flexibility alongside tunable electrochemical properties.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Light, both natural and artificial, was abundant.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Burch showed rich tapestry opera coats with coordinating heels, beaded secretary sweaters with high-slit pencil skirts and grandpa’s snuggly cords and sweaters done with a more luxurious, indulgent hand.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Guests can tour the 50-hectare landscape, enjoy fresh local dishes, culinary and wellness workshops, and rest easy in a luxurious lodge for an overnight stay.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Drop heaping tablespoon-sized mounds of coconut, about 1 1/2 inches apart, on the baking sheets.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sip a margarita and order the Jim Spud—a massive Idaho potato heaped with toppings.
    Caroline Tell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Paul has a reputation for taking collectibles to extreme levels and has spent millions to secure some of the rarest items ever produced, including NFTs - unique, verifiable digital assets traded on the blockchain.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Despite our diversity, each of us spent many years in private practice before the Arkansas courts before ascending to service on the state's highest court.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For Araminta, a woman who has always lived within society’s strictures, Sophie is just another rule to follow — and Leung does so with sneering menace, extravagant goth gowns, and a purposefully maternal approach.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
  • These experiences are undeniably extravagant—and also fleeting.
    Melissa Petro, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With regard to housing, incentives can be made available, lot sizes decreased, and alternative approaches are plentiful.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The best young players were fleeing to Sweden and Finland, where ice and opportunity were plentiful.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • With 89 total rooms, options range from deluxe king rooms to double queens—both featuring accessible mobility and hearing options—as well as a family-style room with multiple semi-private sleeping areas for those traveling in a group.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Jones put out a deluxe edition of the album in August, featuring eight new songs and collaborations with Alicia Keys and Leon Thomas.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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