lush 1 of 2

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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

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
Shot at the real-life Flintham Hall manor house, cinematographer Sean Bobbitt’s camera glides around lush setpieces ranging from a shadowy hedge maze to a swimming lake and an unwieldy bonfire. Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025 Its placement may point you toward a fashion event or maybe even a lush garden. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
Garvey, 74, launched his campaign with a video lush with baseball imagery that recalled his career as a perennial All-Star who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Michael R. Blood, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2023 Bell's Brewery has big plans for 2023: 5 top takeaways WeldWerks opened in Greeley in 2015 and quickly became a cult favorite in a state lush with craft beer. Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for lush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lush
Adjective
  • Pappalardo, described by police as a White with brown hair and green eyes who weights about 150 lbs.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The report calls on leaders to focus on green solutions that can also improve health outcomes, and warns that political backsliding on climate commitments will only cause more harm.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The country faces rampant inflation, widespread shortages, and mass emigration, with over seven million Venezuelans fleeing abroad.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Suddenly, there is rampant competition for places between Emery’s No 10s.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But harness a touch of Scotland’s inimitable peat, and the Rob Roy really steps into its own, the vermouth offering sweetness to the scotch’s smoke, their interplay both delicious and unique.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Greet guests with a warm welcome, a house drink, and a few delicious appetizers.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Pompeii, still in shambles centuries after the volcanic destruction of Mount Vesuvius, Longo founded what would become the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary, creating the foundations of what would become Pompeii’s rejuvenation as a thriving community.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to her professional ambitions, Mallory also had a thriving social life and was dating Anthony Cook.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The garments by the two designers are arranged side by side or facing each other, allowing visitors to appreciate the contrast between Balenciaga’s formal elegance and Alaïa’s sensual style.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This film took us on an unexpected journey through the hallucinating world of the rave dancers in the desert of Morocco, with the specificity of a journalist, and with all the sensual power of a filmmaker.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plant the tubers 4 to 6 inches deep in loose, fertile, well-draining soil with the sprouts facing up.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But Jerry realized that their contrasting features, backgrounds and personalities made fertile ground for comedy, and Stiller & Meara was born.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • AlAnon is a support group for family and friends of alcoholics/addicts.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Using her charm offensive, Hedda goads naive spouses to cheat, recovering alcoholics to drink and depressives to wander off into the darkness with a revolver.
    Amy Nicholson, Twin Cities, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Wild West saloon — fully equipped with fans, refrigerators, booze and a television — overlooks a pristine saltwater pool in the center of the quarter-acre yard.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Guests are invited to bring their own blankets, picnics, and booze (though concession stands and a beer and wine bar are on-site), and, typically, these events feature DJs before and after the show.
    Sophie-Claire Hoeller, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lush. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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