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
  • Photos in the listing show off the lavish two-story entrance way, gourmet kitchen, large breakfast room, private cinema, en-suite bedrooms, and sprawling lush green gardens.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But there are all the openers, too, like Malena Cadiz tonight — an Americana singer-songwriter with a lush voice — or Sam Evian, who opened for them at Pappy and Harriet’s out in Joshua Tree a few weeks ago.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • James Tomsheck, the former head of internal affairs for the Border Patrol, who was forced out of his job in 2014, alleged a culture of rampant impunity and corruption, saying that very few agents are willing to publicly voice complaints.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In higher education, despite the Regents oversight responsibilities, SED has been silent about Cornell University’s mishandling of student gang rape allegations and rampant drug abuse.
    — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Hanna’s madcap life gave him plenty of material for storytelling, and his fertile imagination did the rest.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Moments of geopolitical rupture have provided fertile ground for institution building in the past.
    — THEODORE BUNZEL, Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Made with Malabar black pepper imported directly from India, beef jus, cream and lots of cognac, the luxurious sauce is drizzled over a 12-ounce prime striploin.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • My 50-minute massage was enhanced by a collagen face mask with pumpkin extract—a new one to me, but a welcome add-on that felt super luxurious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Joji Waites, director of flight safety, policy and regulation at the British Air Line Pilots Association, said airline assessors grade a threat as red, amber or green, but that an amber verdict would never be given if the plane is airborne.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Machine Gun Kelly, meanwhile, wore an emerald-green satin bomber jacket over a bright yellow hoodie, with loose gray sweatpants, a black beanie, and a red bandana pulled across his face.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Nov. 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
  • Luka Doncic had 45 points, a season-high 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals in another prolific performance while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Trojans now have Jazzy Davidson, who can do a little bit of everything, and a potentially prolific freshman scorer in Saniyah Hall.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Rooms start at the deluxe category, which are still plenty sizable with a big balcony, both a shower and a bathtub, and a small seating area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Thankfully safe and sound after an October tour bus fire, Muna are bouncing back with a deluxe edition of their May album Dancing on the Wall.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxuriant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxuriant. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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