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 Both cities have a variety of different hotels that range from budget-friendly to luxurious, including the Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor, which overlooks the marina and is minutes from the Island Packers ferry station. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 International flights often carry a high premium compared with domestic routes — and the planes serving them generally have more luxurious seats on board, which can be more profitable for airlines. Michele Luhn, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 The hit sequel follows 10-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) being separated from his family for a second time during a family vacation, and Kevin winding up at the luxurious Plaza Hotel in New York City. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 After several seasons of linen and hemp bringing more pronounced texture to denim, the segment is now shifting toward fabrics with more luxurious enhancements. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luxurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for luxurious
Adjective
  • Other benefits in that tier include a complimentary minibar setup, complimentary afternoon tea served in the stateroom, and a deluxe canapé selection on formal nights.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026
  • For families Studios, suites, and deluxe level kings are all spacious enough for families—but for the latter of those options be sure to book early, as there are only 16 up for grabs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This isn’t Musgraves’ first venture into lifestyle products with a distinctly sensual bent.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026
  • With the new immersive sound system, orchestra impact becomes a matter of technology, giving individual instruments paranormal prominence and turning full orchestra glory into a sensual sound bath.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Plans for the ultra-luxury Nobu condo building, where unit prices range from about $3 million to $60 million, include a Nobu restaurant and a wellness suite dedicated to biohacking and longevity.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The family is presenting it as a private retreat or, with the right approvals, a possible ultra-luxury hospitality property.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Take the paved footpath behind Zori past olive groves to reach the ACI Marina, its restaurants and the taxi boats that take you to Hvar Town and the notoriously hedonistic beach club, Carpe Diem, on the neighboring island of Marinkovac.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Johnson adds that Woodall’s Sal also represents Bourdain’s hedonistic side.
    Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 7 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes.
    Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Arguably, the most beautiful version of this trend right now is the love-layers cut.
    Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The meltwater pouring off Bråsvellbreen like waterfalls, though breathtakingly beautiful, was another sobering reminder of the consequences of global warming.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Luxurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/luxurious. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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