Definition of plentifulnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plentiful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of plentiful are abundant, ample, and copious. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," plentiful implies a great or rich supply.

peaches are plentiful this summer

How do abundant and plentiful relate to one another?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When is it sensible to use ample instead of plentiful?

Although the words ample and plentiful have much in common, ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When can copious be used instead of plentiful?

While the synonyms copious and plentiful are close in meaning, copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

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 plentiful Rural districts can struggle to attract American teachers to remote areas that lack plentiful housing, shopping and services such as health care, especially for lower salaries than some bigger districts offer. ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026 Protecting pets from the heat, drinking plentiful water, staying hydrated during outdoor activities and taking breaks in the shade were among the weather service’s recommendations. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026 Defensively, the holes are plentiful, particularly at edge rusher and cornerback. Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026 The permutations for Bednar are plentiful. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
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
Adjective
  • And while some might not be in your weekly rotation—like the Candied Ham Loaf from our first issue in 1966—a generous helping of them has stood the test of time.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Mackenzie Scott is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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