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
  • Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Interestingly, patient education level or excessive punctuation had little impact.
    Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Dry grass and brush remain abundant fuels, leaving parts of Texas vulnerable to new fires even as crews work to contain existing blazes.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Models won’t create value just because data is clean or abundant.
    Kevin Campbell, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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
  • The Dolly Dollop Referenced in Good Lookin’ Cookin’, the unofficial measurement refers to a heaping spoonful.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Burger Barn dresses up its patties with heaping stacks of pastrami, though the classic cheeseburger is also a crowd-pleaser.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to public-records research by FOIAball, Rutgers spent $191,220 on fireworks and drone shows during the 2025 season.
    Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The jury spent a week deliberating in Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where supporters and onlookers gathered outside for days awaiting a possible verdict.
    James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.
    Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Thankfully, complimentary beach loungers, pool chairs, and attentive drink service remain plentiful elsewhere on the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Many were financed on assumptions that capital would remain plentiful and inexpensive.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The deluxe version of Rumi is 11 1/2-inches tall and has 11 points of articulation.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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