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 There’s also a chance to stay in a hotel that could easily pass for a castle, a luxurious five-star abode with rooms overlooking the scenic Perthshire countryside and spacious self-catering lodges. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Known as Azalea Retreat, this luxurious lakeside estate, featured as Margo and Jed’s lake home in the series, is located on Lake Norman in Sherrills Ford, approximately 45 minutes north of Charlotte. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025 This soft, gooey skillet cookie was topped with toffee, fudge, caramel, and vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert worth saving room after dinner. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025 Each piece in the Time Objects collection, now available on the Tiffany & Co. website and in boutiques, may seem like a luxurious toy at first glance. India Brown, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Generally, they're used as a style statement, paired with very sensual garments; however, adding a striped shirt under a corset can create a completely different silhouette.
    Michel Mejía, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2025
  • This can bring a more sensual, domestic and sweet energy to our lives and relationships.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • For a deluxe edition track that debuted more than a year ago and which wasn’t pushed as a single, that’s a solid showing.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • In March, Ballerini released the deluxe version of her album Patterns.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • After a brutal escape, Arlen drifts through a wasteland populated by scavengers, bodybuilders and misfits—including a mute drifter known only as Miami Man (Jason Momoa) and a hedonistic cult leader called The Dream (Keanu Reeves).
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The swinging Sixties, the hedonistic 70s, and the dress for success 1980’s had no time for Tiki.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a beard provided a simpler solution: a luxuriant facial covering requiring only the occasional scissor trim—no barber necessary.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Since turning into tourist hot spots, these lavish bathrooms helped drive Deji’s daily foot traffic to a record 335,000 during the Labor Day Golden Week in May.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now, the historic home faces something beautiful and meaningful: the city's newest park.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • First crushes, first loves, the beautiful days of summer, and heartbreak are what made this book an instant hit with teens.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Davies’s magnificent, faithful adaptation of Edith Wharton’s 1905 novel is a sumptuous triumph.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
  • And thanks to popular qualities like 100% cotton sateen covers with 200- to 400-thread counts, these pillows also offer a breathable feel and sumptuous look.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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