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 This wasn’t always the case, however, and a new analysis from deep inside an ancient cave shows the birds may once have been plentiful — and used in ritualistic feasts. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 Harvey’s frames provoke us not to spend money but to spend time, returning us deeper into the world, an experience both plentiful and increasingly difficult to afford. Ocean Vuong, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 Although critiques towards cofounder Billy McFarland were plentiful, a majority of the reactions resorted to victim blaming. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Ride shares are plentiful in San Antonio, but Fiesta events will bring surge pricing. Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The bag features ample space to fit essentials like a phone, wallet, a small cosmetics bag, sunglasses, and other must-haves.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At the end of every season, Jim had given generous gifts to the cast and crew.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The generous battery keeps podcasts alive for a full travel day, and a ten‑minute quick top‑up grants four extra hours before boarding.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Delta 9 Delta 9 is the most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The 1,450-square-foot living space offers an open-concept design with fresh interior and exterior paint, abundant natural light, tree-top views, and multiple outdoor venues.
    Monica Lander, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on plentiful

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