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 of profusion

• 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

There’s a tension between the fairy tale’s tellers (of which there are a profusion) and the fairy tale’s main characters. —Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026

Eligibility rules vary widely, and caregiving programs or assistance are administered by a profusion of entities, from state and local governments to the Veterans Administration and nonprofits. —Kat McGowan, NPR, 30 Dec. 2025

The Valley of the Butterflies is a serene woodland park with streams, waterfalls, and a profusion of tiger moths in summer. —Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025

Here’s how to prune blueberry bushes to promote a profusion of bigger, better berries every year. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 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