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 Revolving around the luxurious Hotel Costiera, the series follows Daniel De Luca (Jesse Williams), a retired Marine who now uses his talents as a fixer for the hotel. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 Back Bay’s Mandarin Oriental is elegant and luxurious, and conveniently connected to the shopping mall at the Prudential Center. Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 The accommodations are more luxurious than the average cruise cabin, too, though there is still a range of room types within each ship-within-a-ship. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 These silky sheets marry a polished design with a luxurious handfeel. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • On the second floor, formalwear is divided on either side for women and men, while fine jewelry and ultra-luxury handbags take center stage.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t let the ultra-luxury brands preened for attention distract from the mission of the week, though; Monterey Car Week, a multi-day multi-venue event is intended to bring fans, families, enthusiasts and owners together to celebrate the heritage of automotive.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Simone Rocha staged a playfully sensual show, pairing feminine bra tops with full skirts.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Crafted from precious raw materials and presented in striking red vessels, the fragrances usher the house into a bolder, more sensual territory.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Three heavy hitters in Minnesota music — Prince, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü — have new deluxe editions coming to stores and streaming.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Due on September 26 is a new edition of the album with an analog mix of the original tapes and a deluxe digipak similar to Moon Safari featuring a spatial mix on Blu-ray plus rarities and demos.
    Lily Moayeri, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Frida’s terminally ill mom, Victoria (Montse Guallar), escapes into a hedonistic haze of morphine, imperious behavior, and pansexual dalliances.
    Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The only thing that may be crazier than the actual football life is this satirical comedy-drama that has more to do with a hedonistic existence than play-action passes.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An informal cut, perhaps, though the top’s material — a luxuriant silk crepe — helped elevate the look.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Queen Camilla is being accused of leaving King Charles to go on a lavish vacation amid the monarch’s progressing cancer battle.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2025
  • The location’s dunes and rock formations provided scale and fantasy, complementing the film’s lavish costumes and musical numbers.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • So radiant, so healthy and so beautiful.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • If Nix had set his feet while hitting on just one of three more wide-open heaves against the Bolts, the Broncos are 2-1 — and the AFC West is thrown into beautiful chaos.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The fourth is congratulating the kid for finding Courtland Sutton over the top for a sumptuous 52-yard score on fourth-and-2.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
  • The base of patchouli and musk adds depth for a magnetic, woodsy floral that will cling to your skin like a sumptuous suede jacket.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

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