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 thick strap, thong detail, and rounded toe look so luxurious. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 31 July 2026 The upscale omakase-style restaurant’s owner, Alvaro Perez Miranda, decided to transform the luxurious Hiyakawa into a more casual, affordable izakaya-style venue, just for a month. Connie Ogle july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 The setting is The Langham, a luxurious five-star New York hotel that overlooks Fifth Avenue. James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Ram's truck is known for its luxurious cabin and smooth ride quality. Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The trio of high-rise towers was intended to house luxury condominiums, apartments, a five-star Park Hyatt hotel and an indoor mall that would include deluxe shops and restaurants.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Like the Fondation Cartier, PAC and the Shed package their radicalism in deluxe architectural confections.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Two decades after the book’s release, American culture is in a bit of a sensual drought—and people want to know why.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • While Adams’ blouse added a sensual touch with its semi-sheer fabric, her skirt heightened the effect.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Duchon said not to expect prices for ultra-luxury homes in Miami-Dade to come down any time soon.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • None was in the bulk volume segment, and none was in the super-luxury segment.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Under the Catalonian sun, a rich white American family lives in hedonistic isolation, seeking love and validation through one another, their designer wardrobes and pop music.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026
  • The concept survived the hedonistic ’80s, the grimy ’90s, and the low-rise aughts only to reemerge in the social media age with a new name and a more sinister purpose.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 14 July 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
  • The impact is lavish yet hushed; welcoming yet sharply articulated.
    Genevieve Walker, Architectural Digest, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Then there’s breakfast, à la carte and included with the room, lavish from croissant sandwiches to crepes.
    Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Headed somewhere with beautiful (albeit hilly) cobblestoned streets?
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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