Synonym Chooser

How is the word exuberant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of exuberant are lavish, lush, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

When can lavish be used instead of exuberant?

The synonyms lavish and exuberant are sometimes interchangeable, but lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

Where would lush be a reasonable alternative to exuberant?

While in some cases nearly identical to exuberant, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

In what contexts can luxuriant take the place of exuberant?

Although the words luxuriant and exuberant have much in common, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When might prodigal be a better fit than exuberant?

The meanings of prodigal and exuberant largely overlap; however, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When is it sensible to use profuse instead of exuberant?

The words profuse and exuberant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

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 exuberant The funny, exuberant and lavishly staged musical opened Thursday in its world premiere at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 Defined by exuberant color, pattern, and personality, maximalism is about telling your story through objects, art, and textures. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025 Shot in location across Scotland, Grow is billed as an exuberant tale full of giant pumpkins, madcap characters and a little girl who just might be a pumpkin-growing savant. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025 Australian shepherds are a working breed known for their exuberant and intelligent nature. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exuberant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exuberant
Adjective
  • Emotional, joyful, sacred, and so us.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • While the bar was set high with the first effort, the trio’s sophomore collaboration still delivered a large-scale display that was as joyful and entertaining as their first one.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Torrey Pines’ varsity team rides a van to matches with the effervescent Jiamanukoonkit controlling the music selections, rocking to her favorite artist, Olivia Rodrigo.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Basque Country Txakoli, an effervescent white wine often drunk as an aperitif or paired with seafood, is uniquely Basque.
    Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout an offseason devoted to expansive training, that spirit was on full display — including during the lively knockout games at Prentiss’ gym.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Discussions about the fast-changing international TV distribution market are ten-a-penny at industry conferences, but the group made a lively and worthwhile contribution to the pantheon.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The voice acting and vivacious musical presence of Gloria Estéfan is also a plus.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
  • For a man known around the Pentagon as a relentless, humorless taskmaster, McNamara seemed virtually unrecognizable on the party circuit, mingling casually with journalists, fellow government officials, and vivacious Georgetown hostesses.
    William Taubman, Air Mail, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is what the whole night felt like — youthful, buoyant, and carefree.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Guillarmé reported the label’s sales remained buoyant, even in the Middle East, except in Doha, where business was slower than two or three years ago.
    Ellen Groves, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The curiosity seems to be the blend of his height (7 feet 2), his age (20), his nationality (Chinese) and his bubbly personality.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Bake until apples are tender, edges are bubbly, and top is golden, 45 to 60 minutes more.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether ecstatic or vitriolic, the attention the book garnered was unprecedented.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Lee, one of the few female religious leaders of the 18th century, and her followers were known for worshipping through ecstatic song and movement.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exuberant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exuberant. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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