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 Inside, its luxurious custom leather seats and carbon fiber trim transform the Shelby into a quality cabin belying its F-150 roots. Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 There’s nothing more luxurious for a guest than not having to trouble the host with a request for whatever item she’s forgotten. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 Lightweight Quilt Coverlet is the full package: soft, luxurious, lightweight, comfortable, perfect for the upcoming season, and now, on sale. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2025 The most luxurious and spacious options onboard include the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which occupies three levels and includes a dry slide in the room. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Reuters uncovered an internal Meta document that allowed its AI chatbots to flirt with children and engage in sensual conversations.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Multiple sheer panels were designed throughout the gown, which evoked sensual energy.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These albums began the series of ace archival projects over the past decade, starting with the pivotal deluxe editions of Sgt. Pepper and the White Album, as well as films like Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years, Beatles ’64, and Peter Jackson’s Get Back.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Boasting 13 tracks and an additional 12 tracks across several deluxe versions, Swift's 10th album smashed streaming records for both the highest single day and the highest single week while also selling one million copies in its debut week.
    Nicole Sands, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But there are multiple suspects in Abby's case, and the truth highlights the consequences of the Hunting Wives' reckless, hedonistic lifestyle.
    Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Next door in Germany, Berlin’s reign as the hedonistic party capital of Europe might be coming to an end.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond it is a three-hectare haven of silvery olive trees, luxuriant Washingtonia palms, and lawns where peacocks wander freely.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Meanwhile, a beard provided a simpler solution: a luxuriant facial covering requiring only the occasional scissor trim—no barber necessary.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Since turning into tourist hot spots, these lavish bathrooms helped drive Deji’s daily foot traffic to a record 335,000 during the Labor Day Golden Week in May.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now, the historic home faces something beautiful and meaningful: the city's newest park.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Across time and place, House of Smoke moves toward a reckoning with the troubled South that shaped my worldview and an appreciation for the many gifts my beautiful and tragic mother bestowed.
    John T. Edge, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This sumptuous faux suede one is a close second thanks to the full-button front, longer silhouette, and oversized pockets.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The final days of Zara’s sale are on, and with prices up to 80% off—meaning there’s no reason not to spring for that sumptuous, faux suede skirt or billowy, bohemian top.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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