lush 1 of 2

Definition of lushnext
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as in rampant
growing thickly and vigorously lush dandelions had turned the meadow into a sea of yellow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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lush

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lush distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lush are exuberant, lavish, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When would exuberant be a good substitute for lush?

The words exuberant and lush can be used in similar contexts, but exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

When is lavish a more appropriate choice than lush?

The meanings of lavish and lush largely overlap; however, lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When is it sensible to use luxuriant instead of lush?

The words luxuriant and lush are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When could prodigal be used to replace lush?

In some situations, the words prodigal and lush are roughly equivalent. However, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When can profuse be used instead of lush?

Although the words profuse and lush have much in common, profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

How is the word lush distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lush are exuberant, lavish, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When would exuberant be a good substitute for lush?

The words exuberant and lush can be used in similar contexts, but exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

When is lavish a more appropriate choice than lush?

The meanings of lavish and lush largely overlap; however, lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When is it sensible to use luxuriant instead of lush?

The words luxuriant and lush are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When could prodigal be used to replace lush?

In some situations, the words prodigal and lush are roughly equivalent. However, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When can profuse be used instead of lush?

Although the words profuse and lush have much in common, 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 lush
Adjective
Police said the surveillance footage shows the thieves making off with the paintings across the lush gardens of the villa, with the museum’s alarm system sounding in the background. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 Built into the mountainsides, thousands of Coca-Cola crates serve as durable pavers helping hikers navigate the wet terrain and lush foliage that, in some places, closes in on either side. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
The key moment in the film is a montage of the lovers absconding to Chris’s Malibu getaway for a trip that’s ridiculously, car-commercial lush. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024 Verdict: Mulligan’s kooky cameo imbues this tragic lush with a dash of camp. Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for lush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lush
Adjective
  • This yellowy-green syrup gets mixed with the snow to make a tangy, spicy snow cone.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In November 2021, Bailey was crossing Saratoga while the pedestrian signal was green.
    Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is no rampant cheating or election fraud in California.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Last week, aldermen voted 30-18 to freeze the ordinance’s implementation, citing rampant concerns from many restaurant owners that the hikes were significantly harming their businesses.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their first round consisted of the Dove, a delicious spin on a whiskey sour, made with plum, five spice, and Armagnac, and the Kuniyoshi, a sharp mix of mezcal, shochu, vermouth, and pineapple.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Amid all the excitement, Jin, Jimin, and V stop by Vogue’s kitchen to cook up a delicious dinner for Now Serving, a video series in which celebrities make their favorite dishes.
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • No one in this industry is really thriving, and that’s truer now than ever.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Packed with nightclubs, bars, restaurants, movie theatres and an array of other thriving businesses, The Stroll was a Black creative and cultural hub that became known as the jazz capital of the world.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On the sensual afro-pop fusion, produced by Daramola, the artists sing about connecting and desiring each other, and even wanting to have each other’s baby.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
  • All across what is probably the best pop album of all time, Michael got sexy, sensual, and introspective in equal measures.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Security strengthens as finance-conscious Venus conjoins fertile Chiron in your 2nd House of Logistics, bolstering your capacity to be practical without losing that characteristic Pisces whimsy.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Western tolerance and complacency prove fertile ground for radicalization.
    Tareq Alotaiba, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And having well and truly fallen off the wagon, the recovering alcoholic arrives at one particular murder scene in the full messy throes of withdrawal.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026
  • AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Noel was arrested and charged with hit-and-run with property damage, driving while impaired, driving with no liability insurance, and driving with an open container of alcohol, officials said.
    Mark Price April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants before bed.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lush. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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