Definition of lushnext
1
2
as in rampant
growing thickly and vigorously lush dandelions had turned the meadow into a sea of yellow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5
6

lush

2 of 2

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
Grooming and health matter A Maine coon’s lush coat requires diligent upkeep. Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 The quake was felt across Flores, a lush and mountainous island in the Sunda chain, which also includes tourist hotspot Bali. Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
Keep your lawn lush and tidy with an eco-friendly electric lawn mower, and stash away pool toys or outdoor throw cushions in a lockable deck box. Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026 Mane Attractions Frizz fighters, volume boosters, curl definers—these haircare heroes do it all and leave your strands looking salon-level lush. Jackie Fields, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lush
Adjective
  • Kelly wore the green dot at times, calling in the plays for New York’s defense.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • By July and August, the mountainsides have turned green, wildflowers bloom across the alpine tundra, and Skagway is at its busiest as the cruise season reaches its peak.
    Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The plants need to be divided at least every 3 years to control rampant growth.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Miami-Dade County has come a long way from its place in popular culture as an area where murders are rampant.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • His wife welcomes me into their open-air kitchen for coffee and tamal de maicena — homemade milk tarts made with cornstarch, which are unbelievably fresh and delicious.
    Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Get a caffeine kick-start at Birdies Coffee + Bakery, then head to Commons Grounds for a delicious brunch.
    Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In an endearing gesture from a multimillionaire who ran a thriving entertainment production company specializing in true-crime shows, McDonnell was coming to offer a sweet form of thanks to the bank’s sales team.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Marie Cervay Hickle of PNC Bank explains how historic and new markets tax credits facilitate adaptive reuse, transforming vacant structures like old mills into thriving apartment communities and revitalizing neighborhoods.
    Katie Goar, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Carter’s collection of fairytale retellings are macabre and sensual, highlighting female violence and subverting expectations of female sexuality at equal turns.
    S.M. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The compliment magnet has top notes of refreshing, juicy pear, a feminine freesia heart, and deep, sensual patchouli base.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The song itself helps explain why this particular Jay-Z single has become such fertile material.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As more fertile land degrades into dry, barren desert, the meeting is workshopping climate solutions using its key anti-desertification treaty, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
    Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Evidence increasingly suggests alcohol is so toxic that no amount is truly risk-free — regardless of whether somebody is an alcoholic or not.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Well, in the rooms of recovery, we are taught that your very specific story will help another alcoholic who is struggling with the same thing.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And even though alcohol sales have dropped, people are still seeking out comparable flavors in nonalcoholic options and mocktails.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Campbell became a member of the band after the death of lead guitarist Steve Clark, who died in 1991 from a combination of drugs and alcohol.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lush. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lush

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster