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 came through, literally, with a lavish ballgown, cossack hats and statement earrings done entirely in strips of straw-like material. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Defined by lavish ornamentation, geometric forms, and unabashed glamour, Art Deco is having a major revival this fall. — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
Altman had been making note of Kushner’s investment in founders at splashy startups, including Slack, Instacart, and payment giant Stripe—staying loyal and lavishing them with attention even during rocky stretches. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 Its following includes Emmy voters, who lavished the series with 19 nominations, the most of any new series this year. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • His decision to have Sale close out Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and throw 21 pitches was cast as excessive.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Hydrogen-boron fusion, by contrast, relies on comparatively abundant fuels and primarily produces charged alpha particles rather than high-energy neutrons.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Jazz was financially accessible, the culture was alive and shows were abundant.
    — Mary Carreon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • TikTok filled with videos of grim stores nearing closure that looked more apocalyptic than luxurious.
    — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In a report published on Tuesday, four men — apparently in the same unit as Combs — told NBC the Grammy winner was enjoying a luxurious lifestyle despite his being behind bars.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Per Johnson’s worldview, heaping more debt burdens on future taxpayers is a way to redress inequities rather than a necessary tool to maintain the city’s infrastructure.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But the White House heaped the blame for the episode at Barr’s feet, while stopping short of calling for his firing.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Hochul's announcement came shortly after dozens of students and community members spent hours demanding transparency and accountability from university leaders at a forum sponsored by Cornell's student government.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this year, César Alvarez spent far too much of their play The Potluck having their onstage avatar wiggle around on the hook of writing The Potluck.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Sleek and extravagant, Rosewood Abu Dhabi provides a dramatic welcome, with architecture that calls to mind an undulating desert.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Known for its dark humor and groundbreaking CGI, Death Becomes Her astounds with ornate design detail and extravagant furnishings.
    — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In a wet year when food is plentiful, your best bet is to hunt over soft mast like muscadines and assorted berries; native grasses and legumes.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This means that while Australia's aid is providing Fiji with plentiful access to medications such as PrEP pills to block HIV infections, getting these drugs to the right people is not straightforward.
    — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Billy Joel’s Turnstiles is getting the deluxe treatment for its 50th anniversary.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants deluxe anniversary edition is available now, wherever books are sold.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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