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
  • Kris' birthday party comes days after the Kardashian-Jenner family celebrated Kendall turning 30 at a lavish beachfront destination.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, endless construction, the Siegels’ lavish (but tacky) lifestyle and their chaotic family life buzz in the background.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This name is derived from the notion – which has not yet been proved – that cows which graze on plants in this genus give copious quantities of milk.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Maybe so, according to copious research on taxes and their impact on migration.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Quinnen Williams has only known the New York Jets since he was drafted third overall in 2019, which means winning hasn’t been abundant in his NFL career.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The use of abundant metals like nickel instead of lithium or cobalt could further reduce costs.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The tree features plentiful branches and hundreds of needle tips that resemble real Christmas tree foliage.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The widespread adoption of AI in the UAE — which leads the world with roughly 60% of the working-age population using the technology monthly — combined with plentiful, inexpensive electricity makes the Emirates an attractive location for building data centers, according to Smith.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There was excessive growth of microtubules that wasn’t caused by an increase in gene activity, but likely due to the cells failing to clear away old or misfolded proteins.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But Walpole’s excitement was curbed when they were flagged for excessive celebration.
    Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Most of the products allow the shopper ample choice to create one-of-a-kind pieces — with options for chain length, metal type, specific gems, and even personalization with names, fingerprints, and initials.
    Madison Yauger, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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