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 Despite the luxurious textures, the diaphanous space had the air of a compartment. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 This warm green is rich and luxurious that Mohabir says makes designing the rest of the space feel effortless. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 The theater offers luxurious seating, state-of-the-art sound and projection, in-theater dining and signature cocktails. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Their websites promise expert care and feature photos of luxurious accommodations. — Ilan Shrira, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The trip, which accompanies an Aït Atta family on their seasonal migration, includes deluxe glamping-style accommodations, activities like traditional bread baking and jewelry-making, as well as a private local guide throughout.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • All five extra songs will be available in a standalone vinyl edition, as well as in a deluxe 2CD edition and across all digital formats.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The high-shine garment was seemingly painted onto Megan’s frame, both sleek and sensual, much like lingerie.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Such is the case with black faux-leather skirts—the bold and sensual style serves as the perfect anchor for incorporating more colors into your wardrobe.
    — Michel Mejía, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Even with a shifting Boston portfolio, their ultra-luxury holdings remain vast.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • That philosophy heavily shapes Varas’s work in ultra-luxury residential building.
    — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The happy couple, naturally, take occasional breaks to sip champagne, soak in a bubble bath and lasciviously feed each other ice cream amid the barely dressed, hedonistic debauchery.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In the series, which began its second season last month, Okeniyi plays Leighton Vance, billionaire tech chief; Leighton Vance, hedonistic nepo baby; and Leighton Vance, spiritual guru.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Olivia Miles, the rookie point guard for the Minnesota Lynx, wears a pair of bug-eyed sports goggles, black and bulbous, sometimes held in place by a thick strap that runs through her luxuriant Afro.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the end of the fifth group, one girl’s face blossomed into a radiant flower, and another drew herself with luxuriant pigtails, standing beneath a bright red beating heart.
    — James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Today, a number of wellness services have tuned into the island's rugged and sybaritic sides.
    — Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Marbella is once again attracting a moneyed, glamorous crowd, with sybaritic beach clubs, fashion pop-ups, standout restaurants, and sprawling spas that promise head-to-toe pampering.
    — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lin has been a steady hand in Netflix’s film operations for two-and-a-half years, ushered in to stop the lavish spending of the streamer’s formative Scott Stuber era.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
  • World-class accommodations and dining, wellness facilities, and an array of indulgent activities and events are transforming harbors into truly lavish havens.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Panthers set up 48 yards from pay dirt and then, a handful of plays later, Young placed a beautiful pass into the hands of a wide-open Tommy Tremble for a touchdown — and also placed the nail in the game’s proverbial coffin.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
  • About half of Faux’s dining room, on my visits, seemed to be occupied by the young and beautiful, perhaps strategizing, over moules bouillabaisse, when to move the party to the bar downstairs.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster