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 As the cast described, the lines began to blur between their characters and their real selves after staying in those luxurious villas during filming; things, for me, also seemed to blur a little over the course of the Bangkok premiere, where the cast had the run of the hotel for the three days. Liam Hess, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025 Designed to withstand temperatures as low as -25°F, these boots are luxurious and practical. Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025 For a warm winter take, consider the Hug bag in a luxurious pony hair, which has versatile appeal given it can be worn as both a crossbody and a clutch. Christina Holevas, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025 Completely different vibes come from the second image, which shows a comfy, luxurious room outfitted with cushy furniture, plants, and artworks. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for luxurious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Even Lucy Liu — yes, of Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill fame — has explored erotic art, producing a series of sensual paintings from 2006 to 2008 in homage to Shunga, a form of Japanese erotic art practiced from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.
    Chris Erik Thomas, Them, 10 Feb. 2025
  • What begins as quiet observation — lingering glances, shared silences — soon blossoms into an intense, sensual romance, culminating in a devastating final shot that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
    Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Her plan was to return to LA for the Grammys, release a deluxe version of Short n’ Sweet on Valentine’s Day with five additional tracks (including a Dolly Parton feature), then begin the European leg of her tour, in Dublin.
    Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Scandinavian influences still reign strong in a partnership with Wilding Hotels, offering both deluxe rooms with a king-sized bed and couch, and standard rooms with a queen bed.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • During a hedonistic, and ultimately tragic weekend in Capri, a mystery man in a helicopter keeps inviting her for a clandestine rendezvous.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The hotel, which occupied a former rural farmhouse, quickly became a hedonistic haven for celebrities and musicians.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fukuda-san is perfectly bald, with a luxuriant mustache.
    Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The development pre-built its luxuriant landscaping and outdoor plazas, then incorporated an indoor golf simulator, fitness center and café as tenant amenities.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But its 11 songs are only a part of the film’s lavish musical treatment, which required an 85-piece orchestra and 60-voice choir.
    Jon Burlingame, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Adams, a former NYPD officer and Democrat who previously registered as a Republican, was accused by federal prosecutors of taking lavish flights and hotel stays from Turkish businessmen and officials for more than a decade.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • It's made up of tiny ice crystals that can transform into a variety of intricate symmetrical patterns forming a beautiful snowflake.
    Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Wood has been outspoken about her struggles with eating disorders and body self-image, and spending months on end surrounded by beautiful costars in bathing suits proved a real test.
    Charlie Campbell / Koh Samui, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The villa’s 15 guest rooms, with Loro Piana fabrics and private balconies, are sumptuous surroundings for a transformative getaway.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The most impressive aspect of Schlesinger’s film is its sense of place: the sunny, awesomely relaxed, fetid warmth captured by Conrad Hall’s sumptuous cinematography.
    Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near luxurious

Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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