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 The flowers were so profuse they could be seen from space. The Editors, Town & Country, 19 Feb. 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 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 Common symptoms include unexplained rapid weight loss, profuse coughing, night sweats and fever. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for profuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profuse
Adjective
  • Since turning into tourist hot spots, these lavish bathrooms helped drive Deji’s daily foot traffic to a record 335,000 during the Labor Day Golden Week in May.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Menu highlights include Bavarian pretzels, hot wings, pizza, burgers and lavish charcuterie boards.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And individuals don’t overheat as much as their innovations attract copious amounts of capital without regard to what the Fed does.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Green energy advocates insist that Nevada can be a leader in the field given its natural resources and copious sunshine.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • The original Scary Movie franchise parodied the teen-slasher flicks that were so abundant in the late ’90s and aughts.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
  • But for humans, there can be some unpleasant conditions associated with swimming where sargassum is abundant, says LaPointe.
    Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Activities are plentiful here including a stunning golf course.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Hotels and condominium resorts are plentiful in Puerto Peñasco's tourist areas such as Sandy Beach, Playa Bonita and Playa Hermosa.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot days tax the body greatly and if your body is not up to the challenge, excessive environmental heat can result in severe injury and even death.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
  • El Financiero also reported that authorities are investigating whether the accident was caused by excessive speed or distracted driving.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And the six bedrooms and ample floor space fit all of their out-of-town relatives, said Meghan Butler, Soby’s fiancee.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Grow in Zones 3-10, and give them ample sunlight, an inch of water each week, and loose, well-draining soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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