Definition of profusenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word profuse distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of profuse are exuberant, lavish, lush, luxuriant, and prodigal. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

In what contexts can exuberant take the place of profuse?

The synonyms exuberant and profuse are sometimes interchangeable, but exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

Where would lavish be a reasonable alternative to profuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to profuse, lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When is lush a more appropriate choice than profuse?

In some situations, the words lush and profuse are roughly equivalent. However, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When could luxuriant be used to replace profuse?

While the synonyms luxuriant and profuse are close in meaning, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When would prodigal be a good substitute for profuse?

The words prodigal and profuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

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 profuse Snow Cone is unlike others, smothered in small but profuse white blooms. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 27 May 2021 The flowers were so profuse they could be seen from space. The Editors, Town & Country, 19 Feb. 2021 Common symptoms include unexplained rapid weight loss, profuse coughing, night sweats and fever. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2020 Material transformation is fundamental to ceramics, but what Yasunaga does with clay, glaze, ash and glass is radically inventive as well as profuse in metaphorical resonance. Leah Ollman, latimes.com, 5 July 2019 See All Example Sentences for profuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profuse
Adjective
  • The hotel takes up about half the building (the non-Whitehall-facing component comprises lavish private residences and restaurants).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Ahead, learn more about the royal family’s Easter traditions, from Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘Maundy Money’ ritual to the annual church service and what’s on the menu for their lavish Easter lunch.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As the historian William Dalrymple explains in a 2015 article on loot and colonialism for The Guardian, the East India Company extracted copious amounts of wealth and items of value from India and the Mughal Empire.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Younger audiences, especially millennials and Gen Z, who are fueling the growth of sound healing, are looking for ways to connect with other people that don’t involve extra late nights and copious amounts of substances.
    Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With abundant nutrients available, algal growth can explode, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Making It All Work Sacramento offers many undeniable advantages, including a vibrant cultural scene and abundant urban forests that are hard to find in many other cities.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine said the US had begun to fly B-52s over Iran, implying that airspace was now safer for attacks using cheaper and more plentiful JDAM precision bombs.
    Gerry Doyle, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The food for mold and mildew is plentiful in your tub and shower area.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Both problems also thwarted Artemis I, whose capsule returned with excessive heat shield damage.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Those key warning signs include low patient counts, excessive billing, staff shared across multiple companies, and supposedly terminally ill patients who were later discharged alive.
    Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Center for Biological Diversity sued Secretary Burgum on March 18, attempting to block the committee meeting, saying the government missed legal requirements, including filing deadlines, providing ample public notice, and having an administrative law judge preside.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Their ample traction provides security on slippery docks (or sidewalks) and the squishy yoga mat-like insole molds to your natural arch.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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