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 Strand’s job this summer — playing quarterback for the Falcons — is a bit more luxurious. Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Well, as luxurious as something without a roof, doors, and air conditioning can get. New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 This oversized carryall comes in two finishes, and the suede adds soft, luxurious texture to your fall travel wardrobe. Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Beyond my ultra-chic (and great-smelling) mother’s stamp of approval, the brand’s luxurious perfume portfolio has earned praise from Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Jennifer Aniston, and Katie Holmes, to name a few. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • For families Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In the years after Peart’s death, surviving Rush bassist/singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson worked on their individual solo projects while their classic albums were reissued as deluxe anniversary packages.
    David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Carter’s collection of fairytale retellings are macabre and sensual, highlighting female violence and subverting expectations of female sexuality at equal turns.
    S.M. Hallow, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The compliment magnet has top notes of refreshing, juicy pear, a feminine freesia heart, and deep, sensual patchouli base.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The result is an itinerary likely to cost well into the five figures for two travelers, placing it squarely in the ultra-luxury category.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Ziggurat will have office and retail space in addition to 19 ultra-luxury condos.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Take the paved footpath behind Zori past olive groves to reach the ACI Marina, its restaurants and the taxi boats that take you to Hvar Town and the notoriously hedonistic beach club, Carpe Diem, on the neighboring island of Marinkovac.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson adds that Woodall’s Sal also represents Bourdain’s hedonistic side.
    Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Daniel Mendelsohn, the most recent translator of the Odyssey, preserves that scheme, writing a detailed, luxuriant, often beautiful line.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 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
  • Gronkowski was one of dozens of A-listers from sports figures to musicians who joined the power couple for a lavish but intimate ceremony.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Idea Public Schools, Texas’ largest charter school network, was investigated from 2021 to 2024 by the state’s chief charter school regulator amid allegations of lavish spending on private jets and parachute payments to leaders.
    Ellis Simani, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The beautiful, heirloom quality cookware is a quintessential gift or kitchen upgrade.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Nashville then moved two goals clear in the 56th minute when Cristian Espinoza sent a pass across toward the near post and Surridge converted nonchalantly with a beautiful heel flick.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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