Definition of luxuriousnext

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 The Conestoga wagons, meant to replicate the vehicles used by emigrants on the Oregon Trail, are also luxurious. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 18 May 2026 Glamorous on the verge of vulgar, elegant yet unrestrained, and unmistakably luxurious. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026 This pot pie is made with a luxurious, velvety sauce that envelops tender pieces of chicken, carrots, celery, and peas. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 Why Pros Prefer White Linens In addition to looking luxurious, white linens are preferred by pro cleaners and launderers because they can be cleaned more rigorously. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The receipts from the Sheraton Maui showed reservations for four ocean suites, two deluxe ocean front suites and one presidential suite for Newton and Kateryna Jones for eight nights.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
  • Fans are already scheming how this might happen — whether Kahan releases a deluxe version of The Great Divide and Bridgers appears, or something else entirely.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The dress merged Old Hollywood sensibility with a modern, sensual style approach.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 May 2026
  • The rooms Most rooms are understatedly plush, painted an elegant blue that’s on the sensual side of Edwardian, with bathrooms tiled in crisp black and white.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Redemptions can be costly when demand is high, even at non-luxury brands like Hilton Garden Inn or Hampton by Hilton.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Available for 50,000 euros a week, the villa positions itself firmly within the ultra-luxury category, though Château de Berne appears less interested in traditional notions of opulence than in constructing a particularly French perspective.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • But back in the 1950s, most Americans thought of Cuba as little more than a hedonistic paradise.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The venue’s original leopard print carpet also remains—a hangover from its disco days and the longstanding witness to some of the city’s most hedonistic moments.
    Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But now all that luxuriant coat is starting to come off.
    Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The luxuriant texture combined with the umami depth-charge can stun a table into silence.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The gourmet scene is yet another aspect that makes Vienna a must-visit for sybaritic travelers.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • During the lavish event, Davis also wore a plunging, off-the-shoulder gown in white.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 24 May 2026
  • Under Healy’s tenure, the Sentinel’s editorial page often skewered lavish taxation and blasted attempts by local leaders to duck accountability.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • As a means of conspicuous consumption the canon is poorly served, but as a destination to explore, as a complicated, contradictory, sometimes boring and often beautiful place, there can be much to be gained through a meander, a perusal, a stroll.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • The morning light there is beautiful, and the atmosphere captures a softer, calmer side of Rio that visitors don't always expect.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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