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
  • There are going to be ample chances for young linebackers on Denver’s offseason roster to see the field this summer.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Lounging is an art form here—the infinity pool offers all-day dining and plenty of spaces to relax or opt for a lounge chair along the ample beachfront.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • What makes the piece notable is its exhaustive, generous attention to what might seem—to some—a frivolous subject.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • While most grocery store cakes are quarter-sheet cakes, Costco's is a generous half-sheet cake, so it's definitely meant to feed a crowd.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • While blockbuster franchise films have been abundant in the wake of the pandemic, the overall number of wide releases has shrunk over the last decade.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • Eastern quolls were once abundant in southeast Australia.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on plentiful

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