Definition of luxuriantnext
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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 To watch his dank, brooding studies in social collapse, most of them filmed in long, loping black-and-white takes, is to embark on an oddly luxuriant descent into Purgatory. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2026 Plenty of intimate questions and long, luxuriant answers followed. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025 An informal cut, perhaps, though the top’s material — a luxuriant silk crepe — helped elevate the look. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025 Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxuriant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxuriant
Adjective
  • Amid the sweltering heat and almost menacingly lush greenery, Louise compiles an exquisite taxonomy of local types.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The lavish designs—velvet couches, massive headboards, opulent wallpaper, texture everywhere—were done by Jacques Garcia, famed for his lush and ultra-Parisian taste.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet for decades, this strategically important industry has been undermined by rampant customs fraud and chronic underinvestment in trade enforcement.
    Kim Glas, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Despite rampant speculation about what might happen if two Republicans advance to the general election, Guerra said the odds of Democrats being locked out of the race are, in reality, slim.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s probably why class-crossed lovers make such fertile ground for fiction—look at Heathcliff and Cathy, or poor Scudder and Maurice.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Comfort spreads as the fertile Moon blesses your home zone and sextiles therapeutic Chiron in your 6th House of Sustainability.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • From his Palm Beach and New York mansions and his luxurious apartment in Paris, Epstein enjoyed a remarkable level of access to sensitive information like the outcomes of political meetings and the itineraries of Gulf royals.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
  • La Cour des Vosges has a very quiet, luxurious feeling, and a great view overlooking one of Paris’s most beautiful squares.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The celebrated restaurant in the Roma Norte neighborhood is most famous for its whole red snapper painted in vibrant swaths of red chile and green parsley sauces, but the menu is filled with must-try seafood (like the impeccable tuna tostadas).
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The event sees a weekly gathering of volunteers who analyze monthly field data on green sea turtles seen in the San Gabriel River.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While Bermuda and Kikuyu are weedy if allowed to expand into adjacent planter beds, these are your best choices for areas meant exclusively for grass, at least where water conservation is concerned.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
  • As a result, privets are incredibly invasive and weedy.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Mavericks led 45-34 after their highest-scoring quarter of the season in the first and 80-56 following their most prolific half of the season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • So what’s driving butter’s prolific resurgence, then?
    Elliott Harrell, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ground-level studio apartment, which serves as a deluxe guest suite, has its own kitchen, full bathroom, and washer/dryer unit.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Pre-order Aster's deluxe limited-edition at Amazon now.
    Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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