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 This idea that Oasis’s music provides a form of escape or release is entirely supported by the plentiful footage of concert-goers included in the film. Elena Lazic, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Stations were plentiful along the route, and several locations had 16, 20 or more stalls with only a handful occupied. Tim Jackson, Denver Post, 5 Sep. 2026 Thankfully, complimentary beach loungers, pool chairs, and attentive drink service remain plentiful elsewhere on the property. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026 Many were financed on assumptions that capital would remain plentiful and inexpensive. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • The new coaching staff needs time to evaluate, and Jarry, Andersen and Levi need to be given ample opportunity to play their way into (or out of) the starting job in goal.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • But as breathing slows in parts of Iran’s economy, ample oxygen will remain for the country’s elite.
    Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Order eggs Benedict topped with two generous heaps of caviar and no one blinks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The Southeast Asian nation has long justified its generous political salaries as an important measure to curb corruption, which is rampant among some neighboring countries.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Price controls don't make scarce goods abundant, risky loans safe or bad choices cost-free.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Some 350 million years ago, the Carboniferous Period was a fecund era in the planet’s history; plant life was abundant and the earth was warm and wet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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