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
  • One of the most lavish items in the collection actually survived the heist, though it was reportedly damaged when the thieves were interrupted by guards and dropped the piece to flee.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The lavish palette consists of golds and purples, along with layered textures that glow against the desert light.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It was celebrated as much for D’Angelo’s ever-inventive musicality and arrangements — copious guitars, and vocal tracks stacked to the heavens — as well as his politically trenchant lyrics.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But the researchers said stumbling upon the copious number of artifacts entangled in the historical nests took them by surprise.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are abundant in Palma, but become unreliable at the farther reaches of the island.
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The team is exploring its use in sodium-ion batteries, an alternative to lithium-ion technology because sodium is more abundant.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once plentiful natural gas exports have plummeted, inflation is at a 40-year high, and fuel is scarce.
    Reuters 3 min ago, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In five years, the Academy Museum Gala has blossomed from the mishmash of style seen on its opening night in 2021 to a polished evening of haute couture, bespoke tuxedos and plentiful high jewelry, all served up on a blue carpet that was a new addition to the annual fundraiser.
    Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The thunderstorms could also bring excessive rainfall in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and southern Illinois, bringing a risk of flash flooding, the weather service said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • There are risks of severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall on Saturday from the Ozarks into the mid-Mississippi River Valley with potential for damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The cushioned sole and interior padding also provide ample arch support for all-day comfort.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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