as in wasteful
given to spending money freely or foolishly
profligate movie producers hoping to create the next blockbuster
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in spendthrift
someone who spends money freely or foolishly
a profligate who could not really afford the grand style he maintained at Monticello, Jefferson died deeply in debt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in degenerate
a person who has sunk below the normal moral standard
a drunken profligate, he was given to wretched excess in every aspect of his life
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profligate
Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Nothing better illustrates this than the profligate spending plan that Gov. Gavin Newsom got approved in June 2022.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022
Still, Republicans have slammed Democrats for profligate spending since retaking the majority, decrying the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief measure passed in March and the possible passage of the Build Back Better Act.
—Grace Segers, The New Republic, 15 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for profligate
Adjective
European cinema helped to produce much of summer noir’s lexicon of themes, settings, and archetypes: Its fascination with the storied decadence of the leisure class—and the profligate rituals of the seasonal tourist—appeared in earlier film satires by Jean Renoir and Jacques Tati.
—Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Nothing better illustrates this than the profligate spending plan that Gov. Gavin Newsom got approved in June 2022.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
Noun
The monarchy and the British government, which provides significant financial support for the institution, have long faced a careful balancing act: Both have worked to maintain the pomp and circumstance of the institution while avoiding looking profligate.
—WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022
Still, Republicans have slammed Democrats for profligate spending since retaking the majority, decrying the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief measure passed in March and the possible passage of the Build Back Better Act.
—Grace Segers, The New Republic, 15 Dec. 2021
See All Example Sentences for profligate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profligate
Adjective
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These become anchors, and the idea of cutting them loose feels wasteful.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Republicans have argued that the SNAP cuts will ultimately force more parents into the workforce, prevent wasteful government sending and benefit grocers.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Republicans should make liberals justify their own spendthrift ways, rather than playing defense.—
Erick Erickson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
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The last generation’s spendthrifts have become this generation’s scolds, as controversies recur over the same parcels of land with new names in the old roles.—
Andrew Rice,
Curbed,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Created by Rob Mac (formerly McElhenney, who also plays the character Mac), the Emmy-deserving series premiered 20 years ago on Aug. 4, 2005, introducing the world to a gang of morally bankrupt degenerates running the least successful bar in Philly, Paddy's Pub.—
James Mercadante,
EW.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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Novak: The fact that this group of degenerates, these bloodsucking, mass-murdering vampires and wannabe vampires, [could be] so lovable is amazing.—
Michael Ordoña,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Noun
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He was raised on Chicago’s North Side by a wastrel father and a mother who struggled to put food on their table.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
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Ridley, traumatized by the cancer death of her mother and considered mostly a wastrel by those around her for pursuing a degree in the dread-inducing major of art history, knows a thing or two about the mythology behind these kindly rainbow-spewing creatures.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Boiled down to a thoughtless pervert by the public, Six became one.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
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What follows is a floor-by-floor descent into madness as Bobby battles bloodthirsty perverts, demonic flash mobs, and hallucinogenic suburban nightmares, all while trying to figure out if he’s meant to be the hero… or just the last guy standing.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Secrets are revealed, prodigals return, intolerances surface and family bonds are tested.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
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The food today is extraordinarily good and prodigal.—
Jeff Kleinman,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On a gross basis, Villa were the Premier League’s lowest spenders.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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Top spenders included brands across the automotive, insurance, retail, technology and quick-service restaurant categories.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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After week upon week of cutting the grass in the summer heat, homeowners are ready to switch out their lawn mowers for rakes and leaf blowers.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
2 Sep. 2025
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This best-selling set of adjustable wire shelves would fit nicely and still leave room for a few tall lawn tools like rakes and shovels to lean against the wall.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profligate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profligate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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