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 Airline executives have been confident about their push to invest billions in the more luxurious cabins, brushing off signs of a possible economic downturn. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 30 May 2025 Located in Philly's tony City Center neighborhood, The Bellevue was founded in 1904, and was once considered one of the most glamorous and luxurious hotels in the country. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 The setting is multilevel and luxurious, but the pan-Italian fare is the draw. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 The 1 Hotel Brooklyn delivers a luxurious retreat steps from one of Brooklyn's most magnetic attractions: the Brooklyn Bridge itself. Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Our favorite is Santal a La Vida, which takes the popular woody scent to a creamy, serene space that contrasts with the spicy, sensual scents it’s normally used for.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
  • Leslie Bibb Leslie Bibb took inspiration from suited styling with a sensual spin, wearing a minidress constructed with blazer elements.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • In February, Carpenter released a deluxe version of her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
  • Linkin Park’s 2024 album From Zero returns to a bevy of Billboard’s album charts (dated May 31) following its deluxe reissue with additional tracks on May 16.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Melancholy, mischievous, weighty and hedonistic at once, Jis and his existentialist musings formed an entire universe that acted as a refuge for the weary and delightfully depraved.
    Holly Jones, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • As the defining cultural moment of not only the summer but of 2024 in general, Brat and its hedonistic aesthetic — authentic, messy and vulnerable with cigarettes, baby tees and neon green — helped set the stage for Rae’s confident and carefree pop evolution.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Peak wildflower season in the high alpine environment is likely about a month away, but wildflowers at lower elevations in the high country are popping amid luxuriant green meadows and aspen trees aglow with brilliant chartreuse leaves.
    John Meyer, Denver Post, 12 June 2025
  • These showy shrubs are bursting with personality—from fabulous texture-rich foliage to luxuriant blooms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, the property screams luxury with a spa bath, a 2-story closet, and a lavish living room.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • Follow Lewis for a deep dive into the world of luxury hotels, cruises, lavish spas, gourmet restaurants, and more.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Both are beautiful, old-fashioned venues, but for colored trousers, panama hats and open-necked pink shirts, Queen’s has typically been the place to be.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • This wine estate is located up a beautiful valley west of, and perpendicular to, the axis of the hills that form the Côte d’Or.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s not all from Blumhouse, thanks to the sumptuous Sleep Awake, which combines A Nightmare on Elm Street with Control, Still Wakes the Deep, and plenty of other devilish influences.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Intricate patterns, rich colors, and sumptuous furniture punctuate the twenty-three rooms and suites.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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