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 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 allegations span from 2016 until 2022 during which Reina is accused of using his position to divert funds to fund lavish trips abroad, pay his children’s tuition and extensive renovations to his West Sacramento home, prosecutors said in a statement Thursday.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • With several cabaret shows in the area, including Lido and Crazy Horse, plenty of people stop by for a pre-show dinner to set the tone for a lavish evening out.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Augmenting that spine are family photos and home movies, copious insights and praise from fellow comedians, anchored with interviews — awkward and endearing — with the comic herself, as well as her parents and older sister, Sarah Bamford Seidelmann.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Fortunately, Send Help gloriously showcases Raimi’s love for twisted comedy, unhinged action and copious amounts of blood.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sulfur is the 10th most abundant element in the universe and a critical component of amino acids, proteins and enzymes on Earth.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • This popular usage makes abundant sense.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, Gordon misses the affordable buffets that were once plentiful.
    Jessica Hill, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The menu is plentiful, but the team is constantly updating and adding new services for guests.
    Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Commissioners dismissed the allegations related to donor information but found that Ellis had accepted excessive contributions.
    Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The restrictions, known as a consent decree, were a result of a 2017 lawsuit over excessive use of solitary confinement and pepper spray on inmates.
    Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the posh dressing room, complete with a sitting area, is lined with tall wooden wardrobes providing ample space for storing everything from apparel to footwear.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Like many reality shows of its era, ANTM has ignited ample discourse on social media and elsewhere, with critics calling it exploitative and decrying the harsh criticism deployed by Banks and the judging panel.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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