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
  • He was voted back into his post in 2021 when the club was in a dire economic situation after the lavish spending on players by president Josep Bartomeu and the financial hit of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The couple was married in Hawaii in 2022 in a lavish ceremony.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The major risk here is a prolonged closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which is virtually the only way to ship the Middle East’s copious oil and natural gas to the rest of the world.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His point was that the abundant regeneration that Hanson shows off represents scorch, where heat opened the cones to release the multitude of seeds.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Though some have argued that China’s abundant energy and manufacturing capacity give it an edge in the global AI race, Chinese executives say Washington’s restrictions on sales of the most advanced semiconductors are stifling the country’s AI development.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Food is the second factor, with grosbeaks delaying their migration until seeds, berries and insects are more plentiful.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Abalone were once so plentiful, jumping on a surfboard and plucking a bag full off of rocks for dinner was a common pastime, with feasts held right on the sand.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sahil was initially charged with DUI causing injury and vehicular manslaughter, along with enhancements for causing great bodily injury, having an excessive blood-alcohol content and circumstances in aggravation.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • But the Police Department says an internal affairs investigation determined the claims of excessive force were unfounded.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Brownie points to the big compact, which offers ample room to swirl your brushes, tap, and swirl some more.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Gulf countries have strategic backup storage and ample financial resources to cover an emergency situation.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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