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
Unlike the lavish 2023 coronation held at Westminster Abbey that feted King Charles’ accession to the throne, the ceremony that marks the start of King Haakon’s reign will be much more subdued. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Steven Finkelstein of the University of Texas at Austin is leading a program that will hunt for very bright, very distant galaxies that Roman and other observatories could nonetheless scrutinize in lavish detail. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
While many soccer fans and media observers have given Fox a mixed report card compared with ESPN, Pitaro lavished praise on his competitor. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 July 2026 Although much attention was lavished on their July 1986 royal wedding, their married life was complicated by scandal. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 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
  • The location provides key advantages, state officials said, including access to abundant natural gas and the ability to launch to a wide range of trajectories.
    Stephen Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Voya says its fuel can be made from low-grade scrap aluminum, giving the system a potential route to turn an abundant waste material into a source of firm electricity.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests indulge in luxurious bungalows offering private pools and direct beach access, alongside exquisite dining at Ora and Sumosan.
    Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The ultra-luxurious, four-seat coach-door Neolun is targeted to push towards $250,000, squarely in the territory of Bentley and Maybach.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Yet still, economists, pundits, and politicians continue to heap endless scorn on the Fed for not seeing into the future back in 2019 and 2020, only to not intervene in the marketplace to ensure prices didn’t rise.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Robert spent the prior six years with Chicago, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023, his best season and lone All-Star appearance.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • While higher earners had been spending more using credit cards, the institute said the gap across income classes began narrowing in May of this year.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Their journey leads them through an extravagant amusement park built on the grounds of a drug lord’s former estate.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Southern California is known for its mild winters, warm summers and plentiful sunshine.
    Ben Noll, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Restaurants are plentiful here, but focus your appetite on Tong Thai La Farine, the latter of which has French cakes and pastries worth every calorie.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Other benefits in that tier include a complimentary minibar setup, complimentary afternoon tea served in the stateroom, and a deluxe canapé selection on formal nights.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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