Definition of luxuriousnext

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 The best daybeds are chameleonic pieces that double as a luxurious windowside lounge, a sleeper sofa, or an extra spot for last-minute overnight guests—no need to shop for a new mattress just yet. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 In a classic Americana-resort way, the hotel offers various meal plans that make grabbing a bite feel a bit like being at a luxurious summer camp. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 At the same time, the more affordable made-to-measure department is also taking up a larger space to offer a more generous and luxurious feel. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 For something a little more on the luxurious side, look no further than this cross-stitch quilt. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Leading up to the anniversary, Beyoncé launched pre-orders for a deluxe vinyl being sold for $150.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The new 31-track album marks a return to the original album’s deluxe version, which features Spanish-language tracks.
    Rushawn Walters, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The latter material adds a raw dimension that says as much about the sensual curves of her figures as their unvarnished material.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Hossain and her collaborators have conjured an internalized hellscape marked by sensual photography, gnarly cyst makeup, and suffocating matrimonial rituals involving turmeric and milk — all redolent with upper-class heteronormative rot.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Train Suite Shiki-Shima is an ultra-luxury sleeper train with just 10 cars and 15 elegant suites.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The battle for super-luxury supremacy in the skies is moving further back in the cabin.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In the series, which began its second season last month, Okeniyi plays Leighton Vance, billionaire tech chief; Leighton Vance, hedonistic nepo baby; and Leighton Vance, spiritual guru.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Olivia Miles, the rookie point guard for the Minnesota Lynx, wears a pair of bug-eyed sports goggles, black and bulbous, sometimes held in place by a thick strap that runs through her luxuriant Afro.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the end of the fifth group, one girl’s face blossomed into a radiant flower, and another drew herself with luxuriant pigtails, standing beneath a bright red beating heart.
    James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Marbella is once again attracting a moneyed, glamorous crowd, with sybaritic beach clubs, fashion pop-ups, standout restaurants, and sprawling spas that promise head-to-toe pampering.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Both brothers have grown their following of mainly young men by building a lavish, hyper-macho image of driving fast cars and dating beautiful women.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The respectable but not outsized viewership was coupled with the high cost for the lavish production, which filmed both color and black & white versions.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The nicest of the quartet, Springfield features a large clubhouse, a beautiful practice area with an oversized putting green and a challenging 6,906-yard course that is hilly, woody and will ask you to hit lots of precise shots.
    Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Forests that avoid the worst fire and drought impacts should still offer beautiful color, but the viewing window may be shorter.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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