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
  • Quincy Jones, the superstar producer who embodied the Grammys if anyone ever did, got a fittingly lavish tribute from an A-team of music legends from all over history.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Beyond the spa, heated swimming pool, and lavish outdoor lounge areas, a picturesque boardwalk guides guests through a sea of local wildflowers out to the beach, which is outfitted in matching blue umbrellas and chairs.
    Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to giving us copious memes, Left Shark is at least partly responsible for Alexis’ oddball entrance on Nick Viall’s season.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to copious brands and flavors of sports gels for runners, many brands make alternatives like energy chews, blocks, bars, and even jellybeans for those who prefer something a bit more solid.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Arctic grayling were once so abundant in Michigan’s rivers that European settlers named a city after them: Grayling, a small town located along the Au Sable River.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
  • First time winners were abundant An exciting, early theme of the 67th Grammy Awards?
    Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough winner stands out among its plentiful peers for its patented Air Multiplier technology, which uses a smaller, lighter motor to reduce hair drying time.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Signs of strength To be sure, there remain plentiful positive signs.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Progressive reformers viewed this as a modern evil just like unsafe working conditions and the excessive power of trusts.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Those not able to cash in, however, see the program as one of two things: a genuine offer hamstrung by excessive red tape, or a half-hollow gesture meant to rack up free PR in the midst of a historic disaster.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Regular wool remains a solid choice, however, offering ample warmth and breathability at a much more affordable pricepoint than cashmere.
    Jessica Macdonald, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • President Trump must reverse course immediately and provide ample documentation for any IG firings.
    David Williams, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near profuse

Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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