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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lavish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of lavish are exuberant, lush, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When might exuberant be a better fit than lavish?

The words exuberant and lavish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

In what contexts can lush take the place of lavish?

In some situations, the words lush and lavish are roughly equivalent. However, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When is it sensible to use luxuriant instead of lavish?

Although the words luxuriant and lavish have much in common, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When is prodigal a more appropriate choice than lavish?

The synonyms prodigal and lavish are sometimes interchangeable, but prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When would profuse be a good substitute for lavish?

The meanings of profuse and lavish largely overlap; however, profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

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 lavish
Adjective
Between the castle Elsa and Anna grew up in, Elsa's lavish ice palace on the North Mountain, or the Enchanted Forest introduced in Frozen II (2019), there's just so much to explore — the cold never bothered us anyway. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Per The Information, spending related to Apple TV+ previously included lavish perks for actors and producers. Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
But Trump may take some satisfaction: While U.S. national teams competing on the world stage tended to distance themselves from him in his first term—the U.S. women’s soccer team in 2019 relished trolling him—this hockey team seemed to embrace the attention Trump lavished upon them. Sean Gregory, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025 While the rest of the resort’s guests are simply lavishing in its opulence, Belinda is straddling two worlds — one as a guest, and one as an employee. Katie Campione, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • Remove excessive quantities of tree leaves from home lawns before mowing. 20.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • As for you: keep an ear out for genuine screams and excessive silence.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of the most abundant antioxidants in coffee are called polyphenols and chlorogenic acids.5 Acts as a natural stimulant: Caffeine blocks the activity of adenosine, a brain chemical that promotes relaxation and sleepiness.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Glutamate is an abundant chemical messenger that has a substantial influence on brain-cell functions, including the learning and retention of information and short- and long-term memory.
    Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The rustic yet luxurious accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, offering oceanfront or mountain views.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Pairing a utilitarian staple, like cargo pants, with overtly luxurious piece (such as a vintage fur coat or heritage bag) gives your ’fit a captivating touch of the unexpected.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • All the wrongs heaped on Curt Flood alone justify all that today’s players get.
    Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • That crisis is heaping more burdens on grieving family members during one of the worst periods of their lives.
    Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The United States government spends $1.2 billion annually on maternity care, and American families pay more to give birth than any other nation.
    Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • However, the average business spends 14 hours a week on administrative tasks like these, which is nearly three hours a day that could be spent on other important work.
    Juliana Berger, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Princess Diana and then Prince Charles tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony on July 29, 1981.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • But now, their youngest is being encouraged by her fiancé's parents to have an extravagant wedding.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The ghosts of disasters past are plentiful for Leeds at QPR, and Farke wanted an exorcism.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Rains are also plentiful during spring, which can benefit establishment.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In April, Riot Games and Virgin Music Group will team up for a deluxe version of the Arcane League of Legends Season 2 soundtrack, adding to a roster that already includes heavyweights such as Stray Kids, Twenty One Pilots and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Now, Pearce is ready to close that Hummingbird chapter with the deluxe release that serendipitously tied the albums together.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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