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 Chef Robin Anthony sources the very best ingredients available to create pristine, luxurious dishes, all in an intimate omakase setting. Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025 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 Those looking for a more luxurious stay will want to spring for Elkhorn Resort and its world-class Nordic spa, just outside the park’s townsite, Wasagaming. Steve Lyons, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Bangs were not an overly popular style at the time, but the wisps that framed the face were usually worn wavy and curly as a nod to sensual softness of the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
    Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
  • So are we supposed to read anything into the sensual, aquatic clip?
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Grande dropped the 26-minute Brighter Days Ahead short film to go with the deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine of the same name.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Ariana Grande released the deluxe version of her 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, Friday, along with a nearly 30-minute short film, Brighter Days Ahead.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Backed by an eerie beat, the track revisits their promiscuous, party lifestyle with hedonistic lyricism.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The eight-part series will land on BBC3 and iPlayer later this year, featuring a cast led by Ellis Howard (Catherine the Great) who plays Byron, a working-class school kid who escapes a small town for Nottingham and discovers more than just the hedonistic world of the noughties clubbing scene.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Fukuda-san is perfectly bald, with a luxuriant mustache.
    Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to a high-end spa and thriving dining scene, this lavish property is perfectly equipped to showcase the fascinating flora and fauna that calls Madagascar home, with some of the earth’s most iconic creatures making an appearance at the property each year.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In another piece, a lavish sautoir with a rope-like chain is adorned with a 17-carat pink tourmaline and a white opal of over 12 carats, and holds a dial made of fiery red ruby root — the raw base material to which rubies are attached.
    Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scrim's adventures were a national hit, and now they've been transformed into a beautiful picture book.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • There are these beautiful moments of the scene kind of mirroring the real world experience of having this happen in the show.
    Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Think Prada accessories, Roberto Cavalli printed trousers, JPG graphic tees, sunglasses, and sumptuous fur jackets to boldly beat the Irish sea breeze.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The sumptuous visuals should really pop on a 4K disk.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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