PROFUSE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

profuse

adjective

prə-ˈfyüs

Definition of profuse

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts we received profuse thanks for our efforts a profuse rush of water from the collapsing dike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Strong reviews should continue to propel the lavish film at the box office, which carries a substantial $100 million price tag.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
Kim Kardashian’s parade of 46th birthday outfits continues, and her most recent night-out ensemble might be her most lavish look yet.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

Those copious field reports, sworn affidavits, and telegrams signed, alarmingly, HOOVER, would fascinate, enrage, and unmoor me.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
The core elements—airy melodies, drug talk, copious ad-libs—are old hat, but frank tales of suburban ennui and romantic strife give the Minneapolis rapper’s latest album a refreshingly personal air.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of copious

Adjective

Ask for coconut sorbet, made from the abundant on-property supply.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
It's been more than a decade since tech companies first came to Ohio, drawn by the state's inexpensive and abundant land, its energy infrastructure and its generous tax breaks.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

Spain, which has been a hub for such sites thanks to its relatively plentiful renewable power, this week eased renewable power-procurement requirements for new data centers following an industry backlash.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
As this is a Lynch film, explaining the rest of the plot would be a pointless exercise, but expect plentiful violence, stylish surrealism, and a road movie that’ll shock and delight in equal measure.

— Daisy Jones, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

According to a one-year analysis of data collected from San Francisco’s 33 camera locations and other traffic-sensing equipment, excessive speeding — more than 10 mph above the speed limit — dropped nearly 80%.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Brought by Koya’s estate and daughter Nathifa Wright, it’s being heard at Sacramento’s United States District Court and seeks damages for 17 claims, including false detention, excessive force and wrongful death.

— Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Culver, on the other hand, has practiced as both a prosecutor and assistant public defender, according him ample opportunity to meet juries in county court.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
And that gave the lesson ample time to mark my father for life.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ample

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profundity

profuse

profusion

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“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of profuse

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