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as in rampant
growing thickly and vigorously a luxuriant coat of fur

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word luxuriant distinct from other similar adjectives?

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

a luxuriant beard

When is exuberant a more appropriate choice than luxuriant?

In some situations, the words exuberant and luxuriant are roughly equivalent. However, exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

When could lavish be used to replace luxuriant?

While the synonyms lavish and luxuriant are close in meaning, lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

In what contexts can lush take the place of luxuriant?

The meanings of lush and luxuriant largely overlap; however, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

Where would prodigal be a reasonable alternative to luxuriant?

Although the words prodigal and luxuriant have much in common, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When might profuse be a better fit than luxuriant?

The words profuse and luxuriant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 luxuriant Peak wildflower season in the high alpine environment is likely about a month away, but wildflowers at lower elevations in the high country are popping amid luxuriant green meadows and aspen trees aglow with brilliant chartreuse leaves. John Meyer, Denver Post, 12 June 2025 These showy shrubs are bursting with personality—from fabulous texture-rich foliage to luxuriant blooms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2025 It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 The development pre-built its luxuriant landscaping and outdoor plazas, then incorporated an indoor golf simulator, fitness center and café as tenant amenities. Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxuriant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxuriant
Adjective
  • Recommendations Jardines d’Alfabia is an estate with lush gardens and patchwork of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that speaks to Majorca’s history.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Though expert hikers can make the round trip in a day, many take up to three, granting extra time to float in swimming holes, scope out waterfalls, and take in the hanging valleys and lush forests pouring into the sea.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What makes the Gen Z movement so dangerous to African leaders is that the continent is home to some of the world’s poorest countries, and unemployment is rampant, particularly among young people who make up over half of the population.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The race for the two Western Conference wild-card places is coming down to a four-way shootout this weekend, with the Bulls needing a victory over the rampant division leaders to avoid relying on at least one of Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes dropping points.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Succession worries mean that Japan is likely to remain a growth market, and a fertile ground for PE firms hunting for bargain deals.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Traditionally, the north east of England has been regarded as a fertile breeding ground for talent, but its clubs have been rather less good at keeping that talent and rather less good altogether.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The interplay of structure and fluidity, anchored in luxurious materials, created a collective language of empowerment — a celebration of the body, craftsmanship and emotion.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The way these humble ingredients were combined resulted in a soup that felt decadent and luxurious because of its velvety texture.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even further along the green product pipeline, in sectors where European manufacturers still dominate, competition is heating up.
    Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Creator and star Quinta Brunson takes the cast and crew out to the ball game to catch pop flies, party with team's big green mascot (the Phanatic), and generally see if these crazy teachers and staff can make it out of the ballpark without any major incidents.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Toss these out with the yard waste, along with weedy plants that are bearing seeds.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Avoid Boxelder Trees As their name suggests, these bugs love boxelder trees, a weedy type of maple native to North America.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Delving into the tragic murder of Ajike Owens, a Black Florida woman, at the hands of her white neighbor Susan Lorincz, the new film from prolific documentarian Geeta Gandbhir examines issues of race, class, community, and surveillance.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In Isaac McKneely, Louisville basketball has one of the country's most prolific sharpshooters.
    Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Abrams released The Secret of Us, her second album, in June 2024, and dropped the deluxe version that October.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The prize is a 1-night stay in a deluxe suite at The Surrey Hotel during the months of October 2025-March 2026 and a complimentary 60-minute custom facial spa treatment.
    Vogue, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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