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 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
  • Adams, a former NYPD officer and Democrat who previously registered as a Republican, was accused by federal prosecutors of taking lavish flights and hotel stays from Turkish businessmen and officials for more than a decade.
    Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025
  • But its 11 songs are only a part of the film’s lavish musical treatment, which required an 85-piece orchestra and 60-voice choir.
    Jon Burlingame, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The tents are heated, the TP is four-ply, and there are copious luxury meats to be had.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nile begins its journey in Uganda, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife along the way.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The full Dietary Guidelines for Americans on alcohol, which few Americans read, offer abundant cautions.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Walk to the Mercado Coyoacán for a snack, and know that throughout the city, taco and pastry stands are plentiful.
    Emily Goligoski, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Villa’s attacking riches are plentiful, but for all the excitement encompassing the additions made in the transfer window, arguably the most enthralling aspect of it is the talent of Ramsey and Rogers finally coalescing how Emery always imagined.
    Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Mock, your professional maid service will not have the proper tools to safely remove excessive mold issues.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Comedian and actress Amy Schumer announced last year that she was diagnosed with the rare hormonal disorder, Cushing’s syndrome, which is characterized by excessive production of cortisol.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Whose pursuit of pleasure, readily available to the narcissistic travelers via the luxury hotel’s ample amenities, will instead conclude with pain’s ultimate resting place?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Altogether, the property encompasses 12,900 square feet of interior space, offering ample space to enjoy a tranquil, coastal lifestyle.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near profuse

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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