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
  • In recent months, Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and others have bought up lavish beachfront estates and new commercial office spaces in South Florida.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Brazilian celebrities and politicians are known to frequent this exceptionally lavish event, with a black tie, long-dress dress code; tickets start from £600 and go into the thousands.
    Laura French, TheWeek, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Throughout the documentary, which features talking head commentary, copious archival footage (even as kids, Mayeri and Hall adored recording their antics on home video), and new interviews, the X-Cetra gals speak openly and honestly about their friendships and the early years that fostered them.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Nearby, you can get lost in the extensive and abundant gardens of the iconic Villa Carlotta.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • His hair was still the same—thick, mostly brown—and my sister and I thanked him for our own abundant heads.
    Amanda Peet, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To keep them plentiful, the FWC recommends homeowners preserve trees with cavities or peeling bark, leave dead fronds on palm trees to provide roosting spots, add native plants when landscaping to attract pollinators and install a bat house on your property.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The clinics are plentiful, the treatments are endless, and though some places offer on-site translators, there are nuances that can be lost in translation.
    Jenny Jin, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Auditors said other warning signs for potential fraud included multiple hospices in one building, geographic clustering, low patient counts, high rates of terminally ill patients later discharged alive, excessive billing and staff shared across multiple companies.
    Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Three deaths by low blood sodium — two resulting from men with mental illness drinking excessive amounts of water in their cells, a rare and avoidable condition, while the third was likely the same cause.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Indoors, a simple but well-appointed cabin space has ample room for a family or group of friends.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Administration officials have stressed that oil market disruption was anticipated in the Iran campaign, and ample backup plans laid that out.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster