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 But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off. — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026 The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026 In luxuriant landscapes, Shinomiya’s trio (voiced by Riku Hagiwara, Kotone Furukawa and Miyu Irino) throw lines at each other with strong alchemy. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026 Myrtle is much better matched by the title creature itself, a one-eyed puffball (Americans might compare it to the ‘90s Post Honeycomb cereal mascot) that flits and flies around with its luxuriant auburn coat fluttering in the breeze. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxuriant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxuriant
Adjective
  • Take, for example, the three namesake waterfalls that cascade 60 feet down to the lush landscape.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The church’s center has been reborn as a 96-seat restaurant with lush velvet booths, the seasonal menu courtesy of De La Nonna chef Patrick Costa.
    — Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, we’re told by this administration that non-citizen voting is rampant and must be eradicated.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Co-existence with extraterrestrials has seen humans revert to old habits of prejudice and apartheid; crime and corruption are rampant as ever; pop-up ads now irksomely manifest as holograms in your personal space.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The World Health Organization says its comparison numbers used to interpret the results should not be treated as an absolute line separating fertile from infertile men.
    — Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • For the first time, researchers managed to turn cloned male mouse embryos into females, giving life to healthy and fertile animals.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Turn it into a complete hair-care package by adding a silky scrunchie, a scalp massager, a luxurious hair mask, or a new brush.
    — Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Making casual clothes look luxurious was hardly new, but Cucinelli did it in a way that flattered changing body shapes while establishing an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The sketch eventually returns to its original premise, with the father finally agreeing to try the green eggs and ham — only for Sam-I-Am to reveal that Zackary’s suspicions were justified all along.
    — Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Le is particularly fond of the store’s Thai green bananas, which remain bright green even when fully ripe and develop an intensely sweet flavor.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Yvette opens the door to Pizza City’s lone toilet, engulfing them in a bouquet of Pine-Sol and damp cinderblock and the earthier smell of the small weedy lot where the bathroom’s rear wall ought to be.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Jeon-Gi lives with his Korean family in Building A, scrapping with kids from other immigrant families in a weedy playground.
    — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Other standouts include Manon Gage as a trouble-making hippie; a very hungry brown bear; Joy Suprano as a budding feminist who befriends Pamela; and a prolific TV presence who guest stars in the second half of the season.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The feature is co-produced by the Daily Wire — the right-wing media company launched in 2015 by conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro — and Bonfire Legend, a production company formed by prolific producer Dallas Sonnier in 2021.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The trip, which accompanies an Aït Atta family on their seasonal migration, includes deluxe glamping-style accommodations, activities like traditional bread baking and jewelry-making, as well as a private local guide throughout.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • All five extra songs will be available in a standalone vinyl edition, as well as in a deluxe 2CD edition and across all digital formats.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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