lavish 1 of 2

1
2
3

lavish

2 of 2

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
Whereas much of the original play unfolds as a steady stream of callers to the Tesmans’ estate, DaCosta cleverly restages these various interpersonal calamities against the backdrop of a lavish party. Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025 The untitled project is described as a sweeping, epic ensemble romantic comedy that follows a group of couples and singles to a lavish, extravagant destination wedding where their stories intersect and collide over the course of one very long weekend. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kirk also lavished praise on Vance’s debating skills. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025 Trump lavished praise upon his hosts during the first presidential visit to Windsor Castle. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Its bladeless construction is designed to pull in air and powerfully circulate it around the room, all without accumulating excessive dust like standard fans do—a double plus in my book.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And although its fats are healthy, excessive intake can still contribute to unwanted pounds.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It is engineered to process inexpensive and abundant biomass sources, such as wood chips and various crop residues, into lower-carbon marine fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and gasoline.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
  • How to get rid of armadillos in Tennessee Armadillos can be a nuisance to abundant gardens and lush yards.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With fantastic views of the Bay of Lagos and a luxurious architectural setting, Al Sud serves a locavore tasting menu that’s delicate but not fussy, with fish and seafood from Sagres plus meat and produce from nearby farms.
    Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Capacity at safari lodges is limited, as is access to parks and concessions; in return those lodges are luxurious, and the ecosystems around them pristine.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Murphy has produced countless TV shows that have been heaped with acclaim, ratings and awards and Kardashian is a reality show star turned businesswoman and billionaire, with millions of followers and fans hooked to her every move.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • This isn’t the first time Winkler has heaped attention on Kelce.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The subject never came up again, and the family spent the rest of the week as if nothing had happened.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Pooro manages to escape and finds her way home to her parents, who disown her for having spent a fortnight with a Muslim.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gather with friends and while away the afternoon with magically spiked concoctions — whether sipping a Jasmine Peach or Cucumber Mint Mystic Tea — and extravagant savory and sweet treats.
    Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew later invited the couple back to Windsor in 2006 for his daughter Princess Beatrice’s extravagant 18th birthday ball, according to Britain’s The Sun on Sunday newspaper.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As pitchers continue to opt out of their contracts and become free agents, the Mets know their options become more plentiful.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Homemade knives, called shanks, are plentiful inside the prison, several inmates said.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Oklou has released the deluxe version of Choke Enough.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Despite releasing Mutt last year, Thomas hasn’t slowed down, dropping the deluxe version Heel in May and another EP, Pholks, earlier this month.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lavish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!