Lavish

Given or displayed in strikingly abundant measure.

Reach for it when describing praise, care, decoration, or spending that is notably generous

Volunteers prepared a lavish welcome for families returning after the storm.

• warm

  generous

  openhanded giving is the positive point

  not when Generous does not suggest the extraordinary abundance carried by lavish.

• professional

  elaborate

  careful detail and complexity deserve emphasis

  not when Elaborate does not necessarily mean abundant or costly.

• professional

  profuse

  something is supplied or expressed in very large quantity

  not when Profuse is clinical or neutral where lavish conveys splendor.

• formal

  abundant

  quantity is plentiful without implying expense

  not when Abundant says little about elegance, intention, or generosity.

• formal

  extravagant

  the amount deliberately exceeds ordinary limits

  not when Extravagant often criticizes waste, while lavish can be warmly approving.

• literary

  opulent

  rich materials and visible luxury define the setting

  not when Opulent sounds excessive when the abundance is affection or praise.

• literary

  sumptuous

  food or surroundings are richly pleasurable

  not when Sumptuous is poorly suited to attention, compliments, or non-sensory care.

• meager
• sparse
• restrained

• lavish praise

  The director offered lavish praise after the cast's final rehearsal.

• lavish attention

  The conservators gave lavish attention to each fragile panel.

• lavish reception

  A lavish reception celebrated the clinic's hundredth anniversary.

• Lavishly adv.