1
2
as in rampant
growing thickly and vigorously a luxuriant coat of fur

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan features miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna, towering bluffs, an island lighthouse, coastal villages, picturesque farmsteads and more.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through lush, evergreen rainforest, far past the industrious city of Seattle, a rolling mist creeps in.
    Christina Fang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The country faces rampant inflation, widespread shortages, and mass emigration, with over seven million Venezuelans fleeing abroad.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Suddenly, there is rampant competition for places between Emery’s No 10s.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plant the tubers 4 to 6 inches deep in loose, fertile, well-draining soil with the sprouts facing up.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But Jerry realized that their contrasting features, backgrounds and personalities made fertile ground for comedy, and Stiller & Meara was born.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The label doesn’t specify the thread count, but the sheets certainly felt soft and luxurious.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • In the early modern era, sugar was a valuable luxurious commodity, replacing honey as a sweetener.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, one of his items, a green reading chair, was featured in the movie with De Niro sitting in it.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Fried squash blossoms over fragrant green sauce with anchovy in summer.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If your garden bed is weedy, pull the weeds before mulching.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 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
  • It was designed as a deluxe version of the company's original Pocket Survival Tool (PST) but was ultimately named the Wave due to its extra-curvy blade, which was accessible for the first time in a Leatherman tool directly from the handle, without the need to open the pliers.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The resort is home to 273 deluxe guest rooms and suites and is great for couples, families, and even their pets.
    Kimberly Lyn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on luxuriant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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