Definition of profusenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word profuse distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of profuse are exuberant, lavish, lush, luxuriant, and prodigal. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

In what contexts can exuberant take the place of profuse?

The synonyms exuberant and profuse are sometimes interchangeable, but exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

Where would lavish be a reasonable alternative to profuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to profuse, lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

When is lush a more appropriate choice than profuse?

In some situations, the words lush and profuse are roughly equivalent. However, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

When could luxuriant be used to replace profuse?

While the synonyms luxuriant and profuse are close in meaning, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When would prodigal be a good substitute for profuse?

The words prodigal and profuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

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 profuse Snow Cone is unlike others, smothered in small but profuse white blooms. Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 27 May 2021 Spatter cones, which are volcanic mounds built up on top of a vent or fissure emitting profuse amounts of lava, were confirmed to be vulnerable to collapse, suggesting they could be targeted in the future. Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2020 Common symptoms include unexplained rapid weight loss, profuse coughing, night sweats and fever. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2020 Material transformation is fundamental to ceramics, but what Yasunaga does with clay, glaze, ash and glass is radically inventive as well as profuse in metaphorical resonance. Leah Ollman, latimes.com, 5 July 2019 See All Example Sentences for profuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profuse
Adjective
  • Lindsay Lohan wowed in a sleek minidress during a lavish family vacation in the French Riviera with her husband Bader Shammas and their 3-year-old son Luai.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Picture of Dorian Gray An enchanted portrait and a life of debauchery are at the core of this lavish literary horror by Oscar Wilde.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The primary bedroom and bathroom occupies the top level as copious loft over the living room.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully, the editors give us copious evidence of this not happening whatsoever.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The location provides key advantages, state officials said, including access to abundant natural gas and the ability to launch to a wide range of trajectories.
    Stephen Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Voya says its fuel can be made from low-grade scrap aluminum, giving the system a potential route to turn an abundant waste material into a source of firm electricity.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Southern California is known for its mild winters, warm summers and plentiful sunshine.
    Ben Noll, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Restaurants are plentiful here, but focus your appetite on Tong Thai La Farine, the latter of which has French cakes and pastries worth every calorie.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Even so, the view here is that the harsh criticism of Romo and Nantz has been excessive among some media critics.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt argues that overparenting and excessive screen time are driving declines in youth mental health.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have ample firepower, both lines are good, and the defense is top-tier.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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