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 The en suite is arguably more luxurious, with a sunken tub in the corner providing yet more vistas and a second fireplace adding a cozy feel. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025 The houseboat was also quite luxurious, with five queen staterooms, a kitchen, a propane barbecue, two bathrooms, and a rooftop hot tub, which some of us relaxed in while others pulled out fishing rods and trolled the water behind the boat. AFAR Media, 18 July 2025 Somehow both seriously luxurious and utterly relaxed, this flax linen duvet cover and shams merge the material’s trademark rumbled look with a sophisticated edge, literally. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025 The Inn On Fifth, Naples Best for couples getaway, friends trip, dog friendly Set directly on Fifth Avenue South — Naples’ tony street in downtown lined with shops and restaurants — The Inn On Fifth feels like staying in your own luxurious apartment in the sky. Miami Herald, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • The guiding thread across her work has been intimacy and elegance: like Home, her welcome reimagining of a contemporary art space which ran until 2023; her heartfelt personal photography; and Selasi’s sensual dresses and rakish tailoring in sumptuous, earth tones.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 July 2025
  • Each season, the designer also finds inspiration in the swift pace of New York City, which lends itself to creating clothing that strays into sensual territory.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • For the 50th anniversary, the album will be celebrated with a deluxe edition, out Sept. 12.
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
  • The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has released the deluxe edition of his sophomore album, Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up), featuring 11 new tracks that chronicle themes of grief, healing, young love and self-discovery.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • The swinging Sixties, the hedonistic 70s, and the dress for success 1980’s had no time for Tiki.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Being a six-figure earner once felt like an exclusive club, with the promise of a lavish life—but now those making over $100,000 are feeling the pinch.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Want to know how $10 million given to Hope Florida, the charity tied to First Lady Casey DeSantis, wound up paying for political ads, with more charity money spent on lavish golf tournaments?
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of high-level dining, beautiful architecture, and small-town charm make Madison feel like a real hidden gem—although that’s surely not going to be the case for long.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The welcome desk is directly in front of an open kitchen, with the breakfast room to the left and a beautiful living room to the right.
    Becky Sunshine, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The look: sumptuous and sublimely textured, sophisticated without a hint of showiness.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025
  • The room is also fitted with a fireplace, adding to the sumptuous feel.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on luxurious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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