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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
This newfound wealth meant the boy whose home was repossessed, and who lived in public housing, could now buy the lavish house of his dreams for himself and his parents. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 19 May 2026 The five-day adventure will kick off in the lavish Orient Express lounge at Roma Ostiense station, with guests enjoying aperitivo, light bites, and live music, before boarding the train for an evening departure. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Verb
Friends have spent weeks lavishing praise on the man and his work. ABC News, 8 May 2026 On a beachfront centered between Da Nang and Hoi An, the TIA Wellness Resort is a retreat that combines inspiring wellness with lavishing its guests with the luxury of a premium Vietnamese resort. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • State lawmakers can’t stop federal agents from wearing masks, for instance, so Democrats brought a bill requiring local law enforcement officers to identify themselves — and to intervene if police see a federal agent using excessive force.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
  • The two highest-ranking Republicans in the state legislature called Wednesday for former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart to consider dropping out of the governor’s race over reported excessive spending on the city’s credit card.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Disney struck its deal when interest rates were low and capital was abundant.
    Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
  • How do developing economies gain access to abundant clean energy without repeating the fossil-fuel pathway that built the wealth of industrialized nations?
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Adding insult to injury, Hasna accuses Meriem of using her body to get a cushier, better paying job as maid inside the boss’ luxurious home.
    Jay Weissberg, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • Side, back, and stomach sleepers all praise the pillows’ softness, luxurious feel, breathability, and coolness.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Nick Immaculata from Preservation Distillery might be, especially after seeing the praise heaped upon it from the eternally online whiskey world.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 May 2026
  • The extra screenings prolonged the processing and approval of visa appointments, heaping uncertainty onto employees’ travel and work plans.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Their fans spent the holiday weekend pushing back against the idea that the franchise would never be more than a bargain option amid rising prices all around them.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Crucially for Cole’s metaphor, Nero’s rule was notorious for tyranny, self-dealing, and extravagant public spending on the construction of monuments to and for Nero himself.
    Tyler Green, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
  • Prosecutors say Violetta Mailyan used the money to live an extravagant lifestyle, helping to buy paintings, cars and multimillion-dollar properties.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Here, miners came for the plentiful quartz.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
  • According to its website, the company still has plentiful inventory throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • The receipts from the Sheraton Maui showed reservations for four ocean suites, two deluxe ocean front suites and one presidential suite for Newton and Kateryna Jones for eight nights.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Fans are already scheming how this might happen — whether Kahan releases a deluxe version of The Great Divide and Bridgers appears, or something else entirely.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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