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 And increasingly, homeowners and designers are embracing an aesthetic that allows residences to flow seamlessly with the vineyards, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and rooted in nature. Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 There’s something worthwhile for every skier in The Centennial State’s Rocky Mountains, from Telluride’s rugged trails to Aspen’s luxurious slope-side accommodations. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 This new style is available in brown, olive, and beige, and it’s made from a luxurious blend of cashmere and cotton. Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Later that year, Tisdale French offered fans a peek into a luxurious getaway with the same group. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Playing on the name of Judd Apatow’s 2008 film Step Brothers, the pair unveiled the first installment of their series of the same name over a decade ago, sparking a cult-classic run that now spans four installments and multiple deluxe editions.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In October, Gossett seized on Westward‘s momentum with a deluxe version featuring three additional tracks.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The two share a vampy, sexy, sensual stylistic code.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The result is eveningwear that feels sensual, refined and effortlessly modern.
    Alex Badia, Footwear News, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • More likely still to pass $1 million is an all-electric super SUV from a legacy manufacturer that can claim to be ultra-luxury, as powerful as a god, bespoke, and technologically groundbreaking, which is how Cadillac is trying to sell its new liftback sedan, the $360,000 Celestiq.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Google cofounder Larry Page has quietly—or loudly—joined the billionaire exodus from California, shifting businesses east and dropping about $173 million on two ultra-luxury waterfront mansions in Miami’s Coconut Grove in a move that looks strikingly similar to Jeff Bezos’ relocation playbook.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • At Tender, Whitney clashes with his more hedonistic co-founder Jonah (Kal Penn) and bosses around his assistant Haley (Kiernan Shipka).
    Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Tyler, the Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass, ironically, is the least piercing and the most hedonistic, by design.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • This luxuriant, almost decadent virtuosity can feel out of synch with a tale of miserable, penny-pinching extremes.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2025
  • Plenty of intimate questions and long, luxuriant answers followed.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
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 lavish lifestyle, previously kept in the dark, was now out in the open.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Several design vestiges remain from its heyday welcoming famous guests, lavish parties and cabaret shows including the iconic landmark neon sign at the top of the building.
    Sara Liss, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Mission Trails is a great place to go for a nice little hike or a beautiful little walk.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Pahlavi was the name of a beautiful large boulevard in Tehran under the shah.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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