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
Forget lavish hotels and party spaces, the fix the city previously banked on, but which has proven a losing bet. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Playing his club football for French side Lille, Bouaddi already has Europe’s elite circling, ready to pay lavish sums to prise him away. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
In their Canon 18x50 IS binoculars review, our expert Jason Parnell-Brookes awarded them four stars, lavishing praise on their optics, image stabilization, ease of use and more. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026 Likewise, Wong’s bricks are beyond compare in the attention lavished on each individual building block. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • However, Leo’s shadow can show up as a mix of defensiveness, entitlement or an excessive attachment to validation.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
  • That said, a recent Europe-wide survey by EU-OSHA reveals that concerns about excessive heat are becoming increasingly universal, with one in five workers reporting unhealthy exposure to extreme temperatures and around one in eight to intense sun.
    Oliver Balch, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • As intelligence becomes abundant, intelligence alone will stop being a durable differentiator.
    Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Apart from the abundant trade of silk and spices, the Silk Road facilitated the transfer of technologies and philosophies and the interaction of Indian and Chinese peoples.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The luxurious primary bath features a jetted bathtub, a Roman shower, double sinks, ample storage and a makeup vanity with a chair for seating.
    Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
  • By James Raia The 2026 Genesis G90 is a wonderfully luxurious, smooth-driving, powerful family sedan.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Their sparkling glass cases were full of heaping cream puffs, vivid cupcakes and caramel colored pastries.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The attacks have heaped pressure on Russia’s economy, which is already grappling with the worst fuel shortages since the fall of the Soviet Union.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Palenske spent 39 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2025 as a brigadier general in Guam.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Presidential vacations—or, where the presidents spend summers—are not vacations in the traditional sense of the term, but rather, a physical getaway from the White House in a scenic setting, usually accompanied by their families.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The average song would be a couple of minutes, and four would seem like an extravagant jam.
    Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
  • Meteorite from Sebastián Múnera follows two young women on a journey through an extravagant amusement park built on the estate of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • No one forces us to perform the role, the financial rewards for those who make the international list are considerable, and for the most part the enjoyment found on the field makes up for the plentiful aggro off it.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • With a representative sample of exoplanets in the galaxy, scientists can more accurately determine if planets like Earth are rare or plentiful.
    Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • This is the first time Dry Cleaning have released a deluxe version of any of their albums.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • My deluxe studio was an entry-level accommodation, with the green and blue color palate that all of the rooms employed to reflect the natural themes of the resort.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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