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 This luxurious red blend is a Bordeaux style wine which has been created with the striking red granite peaks of the Edom Mountains. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 The long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Sprinter camper manages to pack both luxurious comfort and backcountry grit, looking good all the while. New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025 Sea Island Sea Island, Georgia Located on a private island, this secluded resort is a luxurious escape. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 This mattress feels so luxurious after a long day running around NYC. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • McBryde in particular seemed to enjoy exercising her acting chops on the song’s sensual antagonism.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025
  • From plush Tuscan shearling and fluffy furs to structured tweeds and supple leathers, Yves Salomon paints a rich sensual experience that elevates its minimal, androgynous silhouettes.
    Angela Lei, Forbes, 19 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
Adjective
  • His legacy is alive and well, though, because people still wax lyrical about his glory days, correlating their youth to his hedonistic ways.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Then there’s Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which stages Gatsby as a hectic and hedonistic swirl of parties and violence.
    Constance Grady, Vox, 7 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
  • An adjacent study provides a versatile retreat, while the dressing area and expansive walk-in closet enhance the suite’s lavish appeal.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The night before his accident, Abbott and his wife had attended a lavish gala hosted by his law firm.
    Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Butte is located halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks for convenient access to outdoor activities and beautiful places worth exploring.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Rather, this sensible, sensitive, and sometimes quite beautiful portrayal of modern animal husbandry wants to reveal the secretive process of how meat lands on your plate.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe after a serene bath in the literally elevated soaking tub, invite some friends over for a lavish dinner and sumptuous drinks overlooking South Beach.
    Benjamin Liong Setiawan, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Even the simplest silhouettes came alive through thoughtful, intentional details, as seen at Sacai, where layers ranged from airy to rich knits and sumptuous trim.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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