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
As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes. Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 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
  • The deputy ultimately pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation for excessive force.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The experimentation with outdoor games is probably a thing of the past after Nebraska’s match against Missouri at Wrigley Field was delayed twice and finally suspended after just 18 points because of excessive moisture on the court.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 Sep. 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
  • The family-friendly resort offers a host of amenities, including complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to use at the private beach, two heated pools, a luxurious spa, and more.
    Megan duBois, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, the tapestry’s most singular attribute is its luxurious use of horizontal space.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 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
  • But the love enduring at their center feels so profoundly misguided that even this extravagant tribute, arriving more than 150 years later, cannot entirely defend it.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • While some celebrity weddings are extravagant events, others are all about flying under the radar.
    Mariah Alanskas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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