Synonym Chooser

How is the word exuberant distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of exuberant are lavish, lush, luxuriant, prodigal, and profuse. While all these words mean "giving or given out in great abundance," exuberant implies marked vitality or vigor in what produces abundantly.

an exuberant imagination

When can lavish be used instead of exuberant?

The synonyms lavish and exuberant are sometimes interchangeable, but lavish suggests an unstinted or unmeasured profusion.

a lavish party

Where would lush be a reasonable alternative to exuberant?

While in some cases nearly identical to exuberant, lush suggests rich, soft luxuriance.

a lush green lawn

In what contexts can luxuriant take the place of exuberant?

Although the words luxuriant and exuberant have much in common, luxuriant suggests a rich and splendid abundance.

a luxuriant beard

When might prodigal be a better fit than exuberant?

The meanings of prodigal and exuberant largely overlap; however, prodigal implies reckless or wasteful lavishness threatening to lead to early exhaustion of resources.

prodigal spending

When is it sensible to use profuse instead of exuberant?

The words profuse and exuberant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, profuse implies pouring forth without restraint.

profuse apologies

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 exuberant The embrace ended with Daboll giving Dart an exuberant pat on the head. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 The funny, exuberant and lavishly staged musical opened Thursday in its world premiere at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 Defined by exuberant color, pattern, and personality, maximalism is about telling your story through objects, art, and textures. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025 Shot in location across Scotland, Grow is billed as an exuberant tale full of giant pumpkins, madcap characters and a little girl who just might be a pumpkin-growing savant. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exuberant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exuberant
Adjective
  • To Chinara, the gesture resonates, sometimes in joyful tears, as Kevin always having his brother on the journey with him.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Beginning Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday, joyful relatives of hostages and their supporters spilled into Tel Aviv’s central square, which has become the main gathering point in the effort to free the captives.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That speaks to her irresistibly effervescent performance — that laugh — and the chemistry between her and Gere.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Over lunch in Williamsburg, María Zardoya—namesake and lead vocalist for the indie-pop band the Marías—is every bit as warm and effervescent as her music.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Missoula, Livingston and Bozeman have lively literary scenes.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With a notably vivacious aroma and flavor, Heilala bowled over tasters with layered complexity.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The voice acting and vivacious musical presence of Gloria Estéfan is also a plus.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Over the past few years, Teasdale has grown to embrace the slow mornings and simple comforts that come with being a homebody, and Moisturizer, Wet Leg’s bright, celestial second album, captures small-hours moments, sofa snogs and falling into the buoyant daze of doing nothing all day.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The trailer for Roofman makes the movie look like a buoyant romantic comedy, and that’s more than halfway accurate.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Toss everything together in the cooker and cook on LOW until the mixture is bubbly, 2 to 3 hours.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The bubbly beverages come in flavors like grapefruit-rosemary and lemon-lavender.
    Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Raina is ecstatic at the news that Sergius has impulsively led a cavalry charge that resulted in heavy losses on his side.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Whether ecstatic or vitriolic, the attention the book garnered was unprecedented.
    Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exuberant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exuberant. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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