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 This bourbon reveals a luxurious nose of dark caramel, toffee, old leather, cigar box, and roasted pecans. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The men wearing the luxurious suits Monday were not breaking class barriers. Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025 Miller traces how enslaved Africans were sometimes forced to dress in luxurious garb by their enslavers, turning them into walking advertisements of their owners' wealth. Michel Martin, NPR, 5 May 2025 In 1963, the palace was transformed into a luxurious resort dedicated to lavish living. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The sensual scenes between Orlando and Trinidad are more scorching than a blistering summer day, and Cunningham expertly builds their emotional connection while never letting up on their physical sparks.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025
  • But beyond unleashing an album that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and mesmerizing, Noreh owes his potent lyricism to his identity.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The new album is a deluxe version of León’s 2024 Palabra de To’s.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 16 May 2025
  • Later this month, Green Day will release the deluxe edition of its most recent album Saviors.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • With only two episodes left before the Gemstones sing their final hedonistic hymn on the May 4 series finale, Baltz zoomed in from the North Carolina shoot of an upcoming Bobby Farrelly movie to talk about his alter ego’s colorful arc.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Backed by an eerie beat, the track revisits their promiscuous, party lifestyle with hedonistic lyricism.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • However, prosecutors at the time said the brothers’ motive was greed and cited their lavish spending spree after the slayings.
    Nicole Acosta, People.com, 9 May 2025
  • The attorney defending Diddy on charges that stem from lavish parties filled with alcohol actually leads a clean lifestyle.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Churches aren’t just beautiful buildings that uplift New York.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
  • The property has beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • His sumptuous volley thumped beyond David de Gea and into the back of the Manchester United net had put Crystal Palace ahead 78 minutes into the 2016 final.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 13 May 2025
  • On your last night in Oman, prepare to feast on sumptuous contemporary Italian seafood in the hotel’s elegant Roberto’s.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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