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

Examples 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 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 Inconveniently, though, profuse eruptions of lava began to flood the basin beginning roughly 3.6 billion years ago, forming a wide volcanic sea—also known as Mare Crisium, or the Sea of Crises—that covered up much of the original impact melt. Robin George Andrews, National Geographic, 13 Dec. 2019 Another profuse item in medical facilities is the sterilization pouch—a small, sealable pouch used to keep sterilized equipment free of germs. Sarah Gibbens, National Geographic, 4 Oct. 2019 See all Example Sentences for profuse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profuse
Adjective
  • Capital Public Radio has sued its former general manager, accusing him of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the station to fund a lofty lifestyle filled with lavish overseas trips, renovate his home residence, pay his children’s university tuition and more.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Through the 18th and into the 19th centuries, the Classical Revival house style represented a turn to simplicity after the lavish ornamentation of previous periods like French Rococo, and that clean austerity still has appeal today.
    Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Get the classic beef pho with brisket, beef tendon, Thai basil, fresh lime and copious amounts of chili oil.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Officers pulled over a Rolls-Royce Ghost speeding north on Highway 99 and were stunned to find a small monkey wearing a onesie inside — as well as copious amounts of marijuana and five cellphones.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The cruel irony is that water is currently abundant in Los Angeles.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • At the heart of the case against seed oils are concerns about the omega-6 fatty acids that are abundant in them.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While rain has been plentiful in the northern part of the state, Southern California has been bone dry, with only 0.03 of an inch of rain falling at LAX in the last three months of 2024.
    Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Oktoberfest events will be popping up at Charlotte area breweries, where stein-holding contests, oompa bands, beer releases and other festivities will be plentiful.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This excessive trust makes our organizations more vulnerable to basic human biases.
    Adam Ennamli, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The company also said damages sought by the plaintiffs are barred by law and/or are unconstitutional based on provisions on due process and excessive fines in the U.S. Constitution and applicable portions of the state constitution.
    Penny Weaver, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • So, this means the Bears aren’t going to dial in on just one candidate after two weeks, interview that guy in person and make a move. — All the time the team has had to prepare for this week has given the Bears ample opportunity to vet a wide range of candidates.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025
  • There may be drawbacks However, there are some reasons why TDFs may not work for certain investors, especially those with ample savings outside their 401(k) plan or who want to take a more hands-on approach, advisors said.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near profuse

Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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