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 But despite its charming design, the inside is customizable and can become a luxurious haven away from the hustle and bustle. Mia Ingui, Southern Living, 10 July 2025 Fisherman, 39, was charged in December with pinning down a woman as Oren and Alon Alexander took turns raping her in a luxurious Miami Beach hi-rise on New Year’s Eve in 2016. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Fons’ Mandane was every bit as gripping, too, sharpening her luxurious mezzo to deadly points in the first act and lacing it with sobs in the third. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 Outfitted with ceiling-height custom cabinetry, soapstone counters, and beautiful brass hardware, the pantry is quietly luxurious while still practical enough for everyday use. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Joined by four extremely sensual dancers, Starr powered through her hits, fully choreographed and vocally impressive.
    jsonline.com, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • To preserve two years worth of wartime love letters that are frisky, sensual, imaginative and, above all, honest.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • In April, Fontaines D.C. released a deluxe edition of the record with a few new tracks.
    Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • The deluxe edition of the singer-songwriter’s second studio album Kansas Anymore arrived earlier this year.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Peak wildflower season in the high alpine environment is likely about a month away, but wildflowers at lower elevations in the high country are popping amid luxuriant green meadows and aspen trees aglow with brilliant chartreuse leaves.
    John Meyer, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
  • These showy shrubs are bursting with personality—from fabulous texture-rich foliage to luxuriant blooms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Champagne Bar is a more casual outpost, although still quite lavish (it’s called the Champagne Bar, after all).
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • Mayan inspired spa treatments include massages, facials, and lavish therapeutic body rituals.
    Miriam Porter, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jinkx had a beautiful showing in a season where the queens all got to just show their best every week.
    EW.com, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • So go ahead, live in the Arizona desert, the Colorado mountains, Upstate New York, or, like me, the beautiful plains of Oklahoma.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Windows of textile shops showcase sumptuous fabrics and prints.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • From July 8 to 11, Prime Day 2025 will offer rare discounts on everything from travel essentials to dinnerware sets to, yes, sumptuous sheets that suit every type of sleeper.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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