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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
Cardi showed off the lavish digs of their medieval mansion while enjoying one another’s company in a series of Instagram Stories on Tuesday (June 24). Michael Saponara, Billboard, 25 June 2025 Locals who protested against Jeff Bezos' lavish nuptials in the Italian city of Venice later this week have claimed victory after the billionaire reportedly changed the venue for his wedding celebrations. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
Geragos asked Jane about presents that Diddy lavished upon her, for example, seemingly to suggest that his gift-giving indicated a romantic relationship, not a ruse to trick her into kink. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 11 June 2025 Behind closed doors on Tuesday morning, Mr. Trump addressed each of the factions in turn, according to lawmakers who attended the meeting, lavishing praise on some Republicans and scorning others who have withheld their support for the legislation. Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Shifting From Reactive To Proactive Security: Organizations often spend excessive time reacting to rather than preventing threats.
    Bojan Šimić, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Watch for excessive panting, lagging behind, or stumbling.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Uranium supplies are abundant, and their prices aren’t nearly as volatile as the prices are for other fuels.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025
  • This, in turn, implies that substructures form much earlier than previously thought — while such disks are still abundant with gas and dust.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Fons’ Mandane was every bit as gripping, too, sharpening her luxurious mezzo to deadly points in the first act and lacing it with sobs in the third.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
  • Outfitted with ceiling-height custom cabinetry, soapstone counters, and beautiful brass hardware, the pantry is quietly luxurious while still practical enough for everyday use.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Cramer heaped high praise on AeroVironment by likening it to high-flying Palantir , which has big defense software contracts.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Stand in whatever line is necessary to pick up a heaping poke rice bowl at Maguro Brothers.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • Start by auditing your calendar and asking yourself: How much of your week is spent on reactive, tactical work?
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Irby, 35, is a manager for corporate security and intelligence at FIS Global and spent more than 15 years in corporate security.
    Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Amazon founder, 61, and the Emmy-winning journalist, 55, recently concluded an extravagant celebration of their love, surrounded by entertainment's biggest stars, including the Kardashian-Jenner family, Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 30 June 2025
  • Rosie O'Donnell is using her gift of gab to share her thoughts on billionaire Jeff Bezos' extravagant wedding to Lauren Sánchez over the weekend.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the lower layers of the mountain, similar veins were plentiful, and one was even enriched with clays.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • The plentiful evidence for this is both quantitative and anecdotal.
    Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the singer's latest full-length continues to appear on a handful of album charts in the United Kingdom, none of the tunes pushed from the project — or its deluxe edition follow-up, Brighter Days Ahead — are still present.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • There are three complete shows in the deluxe version, as well as tracks from warm-up club dates and soundboard highlights from various live dates.
    Joe Gross, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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