profusion

noun

pro·​fu·​sion prə-ˈfyü-zhən 

prō-

1

: lavish expenditure : extravagance

2

: the quality or state of being profuse

3

: great quantity : lavish display or supply

snow falling in profusion

Did you know?

A profusion is literally a "pouring forth", so a profusion of gifts is a wealth or abundance of gifts. A profusely illustrated book is filled to overflowing with pictures. A bad social error should be followed by profuse apologies, and profound gratitude should be expressed with profuse thanks.

Synonyms

• loads
• plenty
• ton
• dozen
• slew
• abundance
• wealth
• bunch
• quantity
• pile
• lot
• deal
• chunk
• raft

Examples of profusion in a Sentence

The flowers grow in profusion.

apples grow in profusion in this valley

Recent Examples on the Web

Like much of Harrell’s work, this is a runway show in which Harrell presides (sometimes as Anna Wintour) over a large, diverse cast of dancers who strut the catwalk in a profusion of outré outfits, mixing in voguing and Butoh. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025

The result is that Europe has a profusion of economic security goals but lacks the means to achieve them. —Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

Below are bachelor buttons growing in profusion. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

From the amuse-bouche to the appetizers, and from the moment the waitstaff lifts the silver domes from the entrées in unison, every dish offers a profusion of delightful flavors presented with artistry and flair. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for profusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion

Kids Definition

profusion

noun

pro·​fu·​sion prə-ˈfyü-zhən 

: a plentiful supply : great quantity

lilacs blooming in profusion