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 The flowers were so profuse they could be seen from space. The Editors, Town & Country, 19 Feb. 2021 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
  • The parachutist descended from an overcast sky at the lavish 2017 wedding reception, as seen in videos posted online.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
  • My mom stayed home to look after my siblings; our house was large but not lavish.
    Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is even Depardieu’s own late son, Guillaume, whose death at age thirty-seven was hastened along by heroin use that had ruined his health, and over whom Ferrara recalls Depardieu shedding copious tears during one of their early meetings.
    Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The burger is two giant patties of the restaurant’s proprietary Angus chuck, separated by a bun half and copious amounts of dripping American cheese.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It is engineered to process inexpensive and abundant biomass sources, such as wood chips and various crop residues, into lower-carbon marine fuel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and gasoline.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
  • How to get rid of armadillos in Tennessee Armadillos can be a nuisance to abundant gardens and lush yards.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As pitchers continue to opt out of their contracts and become free agents, the Mets know their options become more plentiful.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Homemade knives, called shanks, are plentiful inside the prison, several inmates said.
    Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Its bladeless construction is designed to pull in air and powerfully circulate it around the room, all without accumulating excessive dust like standard fans do—a double plus in my book.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
  • And although its fats are healthy, excessive intake can still contribute to unwanted pounds.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • All the areas were within sight of a stage with a musician or band, and each stage area had ample seating for guests who wanted to sit and sip in the shade.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • We were impressed by the spacious interior, which was large enough to easily fit our entire four-day packing list and left ample room for an extra few outfits or souvenirs thanks to the brand’s forgiving free-flex zipper technology.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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