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 Although plentiful, colors should never be garish or jarring. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025 Wine sampling was plentiful, featuring a selection of pours of Chardonnay to Pinot Noir to Reisling and sparkling wines from Traverse Wine Coast wineries. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Rumors of Boone's job being in danger have been plentiful amid the Yankees' struggles. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025 Live music venues like Antone’s and the Moody Theater are plentiful, as are murals, local shops, and restaurants. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • The soil will remain warm enough for good root growth for several weeks after the first fall frost, giving peonies ample time to build a new root system.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The reintroduction team assumed most of the population would settle in the southern third of Indiana, where large reservoirs and river systems create ample habitat.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Or, head over to Dutchman’s Seafood, aka The Dutchie, for generous filets of local sole and Skuna Bay salmon with views of Morro Rock.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Curved walls, brass accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame a generous living space—complete with a dining table that arcs like a ship’s keel and a cocktail-ready bar that glows at night.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Be sure each clump includes abundant roots.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Since fish is so abundant in Myanmar, it's long been a product accessible to a range of communities.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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