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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 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 Fukuda-san is perfectly bald, with a luxuriant mustache. Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 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
  • The fossil was embedded inside rocks that date to between 115 million and 108 million years ago, in the Early Cretaceous period, when the area was covered by a lush river valley.
    Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Polyanthus primrose produces velvety blooms in rich blue, purple, burgundy, and golden hues above lush green foliage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This rampant, unauthorized AI use degrades the educational experience of individual students who overly rely on the technology and those who wish to avoid using it.
    Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Speculation remains rampant that those three ACC schools will leave that league before the end of this decade for the SEC or Big Ten.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And that could mean fertile hunting ground for the franchising industry.
    Rob Lancit, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Combined, these economic and political pressures created fertile ground for social mobilization.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the case of the wife in the viral TikTok video, the Maldives—often cited among the world's most luxurious honeymoon destinations—was a total surprise.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Besides, what feels more luxurious than slipping into a five-star hotel robe and slippers?
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The next group is carbon-neutral fuels—biofuels and green methanol.
    Michaila Byrne, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The Dow ended the day in the green but significantly off session highs, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed the session lower.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Crimson clover can become weedy in landscape beds, restrict use to production gardens, orchards, and other large acreage.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
  • For years, nearby residents came to this isolated corner of the lakefront to take walks and find comfort in the solitude and often unkept beach and weedy woodland behind it.
    Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the years following the opening of Lugano’s flagship Newport Beach location, the company was prolific with philanthropic donations, providing financial support to Irvine public schools, the Lupus Foundation and a variety of arts and cultural organizations.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The prolific singer-songwriter discusses the silver lining of grief, her everlasting obsession with nature, and her new album, Neon Grey Midnight Green.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The summer of 2025 was essentially a deluxe version of 2022.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • As the drinks flow during a gathering of faculty and PhD students at their deluxe digs, Alma’s doting husband Frederick (Michael Stuhlbarg), another shrink, teasingly asks what happens if one of them gets tenure and the other doesn’t.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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