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 uniform color palette creates a clean, polished look, and the upgrade in texture makes your bathroom feel immediately more luxurious. Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026 The Mandarin Oriental, a luxury hotel that opened in 1988, was imploded on April 12, 2026, to make way for an even more luxurious complex. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 Thick, hotel-style towels are one of the simplest ways to make your bathroom feel more luxurious. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 Located in the heart of the downtown buzz, this 70-room property is arguably one of the most luxurious places in town to soak up the sun, with a dreamy pool deck, a rooftop bar, and fresh cookies available nightly. Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The ground-level studio apartment, which serves as a deluxe guest suite, has its own kitchen, full bathroom, and washer/dryer unit.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Pre-order Aster's deluxe limited-edition at Amazon now.
    Jessica Moore, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The photos capture the artist in his prime, from sensual solo poses to special moments with then-wife Mayte Garcia.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Ozon’s black-and-white version sticks closely to the story but dispenses with much of the narration to focus on the sensual streets of colonial Algeria.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Set the scene The latest ultra-luxury hotel chain to land in Greece, and the newest milestone in the ritzy revival of the Athenian Riviera.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The gains spanned both ends of the market, from condos under $500,000 to ultra-luxury properties above $5 million.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To that end, the writer-director, Chandler Levack, establishes an agreeably slapdash attitude of hedonistic adventure, one that’s often intentionally borderline cringe.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
  • For example, Cheek cites research that connects altruistic behavior and a sense of purpose with reduced inflammation, as opposed to hedonistic pursuits, which can worsen inflammation.
    Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • There was a long, luxuriant lunch at Suginome, one of the city's oldest ryōtei, a genre of restaurant that, not so long ago, offered entertainment by geisha and private rooms where businessmen and politicians made deals over elaborate dinners.
    Alex Halberstadt, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The gourmet scene is yet another aspect that makes Vienna a must-visit for sybaritic travelers.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Romantic Tour is a lavish spectacle that is buffed to perfection, with every light swirl and confetti drop precisely calibrated.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Private jet companies are rolling out the red carpet for their top clients at the Masters Tournament, as competition shifts from the air to the ground with lavish hospitality events and experiences.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The home run was a beautiful swing down in the zone.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Expect glitzy bars and eateries, often with tray ceilings that light up in beautiful hues at nightfall.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

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