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
Gunna released a lavish visual to accompany the single, which stars American tennis phenom Coco Gauff. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026 These canny revolutionaries recognized that see-and-be-seen lobbies and buzzy bar-restaurants were just as important as the beds upstairs—though a few lavish suites still gave big spenders room to splurge. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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
  • During their interviews, Haddock said the researchers found a lack of recognition by firefighters that their consumption levels were considered excessive.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Inland, southern San Bernardino County faces at least a 40% chance of excessive rain that could result in flash flooding through Saturday night, said Julie Phillipson, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Turn it into a complete hair-care package by adding a silky scrunchie, a scalp massager, a luxurious hair mask, or a new brush.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Making casual clothes look luxurious was hardly new, but Cucinelli did it in a way that flattered changing body shapes while establishing an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Willis heaped more praises on the rookie receiver following the Vikings loss.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • And 84% of fans who track players, pundits or creators spent on sport last year, compared with 43% of those who track none.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Davis and Young combined for 31 points in 17 minutes largely, if not entirely, spent on the floor together.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 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
  • Finally, their proposal would give Appropriations Committee leaders a quick route to the Senate floor for popular spending bills with plentiful spending amendment opportunities.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Cheaper and more plentiful computing power would allow AI agents to proliferate, Hayes said.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Joji is also getting in on the fun with a deluxe edition of Piss In The Wind, featuring new tracks and instrumentals.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson’s work in music includes the albums Sound of a Woman, released earlier this year (a deluxe version dropped in September); AM/FM; Rita Wilson; Bigger Picture, and Halfway to Home.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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