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 Last month, Air France unveiled luxurious new suites in its La Première first-class cabin, which are now available on flights out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), on the carrier’s Boeing 777-300 ER jets. Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 17 Apr. 2025 Save big on luxurious outdoor furniture, space-saving storage solutions, and more starting at just $9. Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025 The 48-room property is the city’s first truly luxurious mid-size boutique stay, thanks in part to the hand of hotel-design heavyweight Post Company. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 The best daybeds make for a luxurious windowside lounge—feet propped, book cracked open on your lap, maybe even a dog to share it with. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Julius’s secretive couplings with a Latino gambler (Diego Calva) are discreet, never sensual like Hernández’s nude compositions.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The track stirred controversy at the time for its use of Catholic religious imagery in a sensual context.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The rock outfit’s latest push comes just ahead of the deluxe edition of From Zero, and the lead single from that project has been certified a true radio smash.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Additional contributors include Daybreakers, Mura Masa, and Sally C, while a deluxe edition of Mixes will feature additional contributions from Chino Moreno of the Deftones, Mogwai, 65daysofstatic, and the Twilight Sad.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With only two episodes left before the Gemstones sing their final hedonistic hymn on the May 4 series finale, Baltz zoomed in from the North Carolina shoot of an upcoming Bobby Farrelly movie to talk about his alter ego’s colorful arc.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Backed by an eerie beat, the track revisits their promiscuous, party lifestyle with hedonistic lyricism.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It is also known as Damask or Damascene rose and is revered for its luxuriant scent.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 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
  • For all his Trump flattery and lavish gift-giving, Abe never scored Japan a pass in Trump 1.0 tariffs.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Even more impressive than just its size is its beautiful, lavish marble decoration inside.
    Danuta Hamlin, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Order a drink, admire the master carpentry, and unwind with views of the beautiful garden.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The lead grew to 3-1 at 1:57 of the third with one of the most beautiful goals of the season.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sensorial experience is soft and sumptuous, and the payoff impactful.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The crunchy topping of fried chicken skin and fresh herbs delivers a sumptuous meal.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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