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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
See the Best Photos of the Hollywood Heartthrob Over the Years 04 of 14 'The Great Gatsby' Broadway Musical The lavish parties and glitter of Gatsby’s world are perfect for a Broadway musical, and the production directed by Marc Brunidoes does not disappoint. Danielle Teller, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 There’s disturbing footage shown of Piper standing on her porch surrounded by boxes and boxes of lavish birthday gifts. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
In recent years, the billionaire has offered sympathetic remarks about China’s desire to reclaim Taiwan and lavished praise on the government. Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 26 Mar. 2025 Ahead of the Saturday night clash in Spain, the opposition’s head coach lavished praise on the number 11. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lavish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lavish
Adjective
  • This study, which was published in the journal Neurology, comes when clinicians and public health advocates are raising awareness of alcohol use disorder and issues related to excessive alcohol consumption.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Avoid constipation as excessive straining can weaken the pelvic floor.
    Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Delta 9 Delta 9 is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The 1,450-square-foot living space offers an open-concept design with fresh interior and exterior paint, abundant natural light, tree-top views, and multiple outdoor venues.
    Monica Lander, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hotel Del Salto, originally a luxurious residence, became a hotel in 1928 to cater to the Colombian elite visiting Tequendama Falls.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Reviewers praise the smooth, luxurious feel of this comforter.
    Jamie Ballard, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The trio of bold statements heaped scrutiny on the current leadership at the FIA.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Both members acknowledged that neither were particularly close to Vance during his brief tenure in the upper chamber upon now heaping praise.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Consumers have been optimizing their spending for years, Thomas said, by making smart decisions to have the ability to still spend, particularly on discretionary items.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ripp is originally a linebacker but spent parts of last year playing edge.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The play is an extravagant metaphor for political discourse, disputes between nations, nationalist feelings and more.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Others lean into extravagant brunch dishes to nourish and impress, like Roasted Tomato Quiche or Stuffed Ham-And-Cheese Croissant Casserole.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Color combinations of Masters green — also known as Pantone 342 — and Butter Yellow, the season’s hottest spring shade, have been plentiful.
    Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Apple has long made iPhones in China through contract manufacturer Foxconn due to the country’s cheap, plentiful, and technically skilled labor.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lately, she's been in promotion mode for her project Eternal Sunshine, and fans just received even more to love from this era with the deluxe reissue Brighter Days Ahead.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In just over one year, Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album Eternal Sunshine on March 8, 2024, then starred in the Oscar-winning movie musical Wicked that hit theaters in November, and has now returned with the Brighter Days Ahead deluxe reissue of that album on March 28.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lavish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lavish. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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