PROFUSE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

profuse

adjective

prə-ˈfyüs

Definition of profuse next

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts we received profuse thanks for our efforts a profuse rush of water from the collapsing dike

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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 two whip up a lavish dip packed with cheese, greens and pickles, which add tang to cut through the indulgent creaminess.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Nichols said financial documents offered as evidence showed the GoFundMe donations were spent on things like lavish meals and travel, streaming services, car payments and rent.

— Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Definition of lavish

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profundity

profuse

profusion

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“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of profuse

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