Synonym Chooser

How is the word luxurious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of luxurious are sensual, sensuous, and voluptuous. While all these words mean "relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses," luxurious suggests the indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor.

a luxurious hotel

When is it sensible to use sensual instead of luxurious?

The synonyms sensual and luxurious are sometimes interchangeable, but sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves.

a life devoted to sensual pleasures

When is sensuous a more appropriate choice than luxurious?

In some situations, the words sensuous and luxurious are roughly equivalent. However, sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure.

the sensuous delights of great music

When might voluptuous be a better fit than luxurious?

The meanings of voluptuous and luxurious largely overlap; however, voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment especially to sensual pleasure.

a voluptuous feast

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 luxurious Airline executives have been confident about their push to invest billions in the more luxurious cabins, brushing off signs of a possible economic downturn. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 30 May 2025 Located in Philly's tony City Center neighborhood, The Bellevue was founded in 1904, and was once considered one of the most glamorous and luxurious hotels in the country. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 The setting is multilevel and luxurious, but the pan-Italian fare is the draw. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The 1 Hotel Brooklyn delivers a luxurious retreat steps from one of Brooklyn's most magnetic attractions: the Brooklyn Bridge itself. Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The skirt flared softly at the hem, offering movement and bit of drama, a silhouette that felt sensual without trying too hard.
    Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 30 May 2025
  • As a reminder, here's how Scorsese and the three-time Oscar winner worked together to make romantic sublimation and repressed emotions weirdly sensual.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, despite her acting declaration, Grande still treated fans with a deluxe edition of her latest album, Eternal Sunshine.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • Linkin Park’s comeback album From Zero is a major commercial success again in the United Kingdom this week, thanks to a huge uptick in interest, which was sparked by the release of a deluxe edition of the title.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Melancholy, mischievous, weighty and hedonistic at once, Jis and his existentialist musings formed an entire universe that acted as a refuge for the weary and delightfully depraved.
    Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • As the defining cultural moment of not only the summer but of 2024 in general, Brat and its hedonistic aesthetic — authentic, messy and vulnerable with cigarettes, baby tees and neon green — helped set the stage for Rae’s confident and carefree pop evolution.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • From cultish family dynamics to whodunits set in lavish locales, here are 12 shows fans of Sirens should add to their watch list.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Zaya recently turned 18 and had a lavish birthday ball to celebrate the milestone age.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their beautiful bi-level home is hidden on a backstreet in Palermo.
    Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Few of the hotels in this city, even the most beautiful among them, feel quite as regal as the Saint James.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not all from Blumhouse, thanks to the sumptuous Sleep Awake, which combines A Nightmare on Elm Street with Control, Still Wakes the Deep, and plenty of other devilish influences.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Intricate patterns, rich colors, and sumptuous furniture punctuate the twenty-three rooms and suites.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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