Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective plentiful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of plentiful are abundant, ample, and copious. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," plentiful implies a great or rich supply.

peaches are plentiful this summer

How do abundant and plentiful relate to one another?

Abundant suggests an even greater or richer supply than does plentiful.

streams abundant with fish

When is it sensible to use ample instead of plentiful?

Although the words ample and plentiful have much in common, ample implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement.

ample food to last the winter

When can copious be used instead of plentiful?

While the synonyms copious and plentiful are close in meaning, copious stresses largeness of supply rather than fullness or richness.

copious examples of bureaucratic waste

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 plentiful When salmon is plentiful, temporarily wearing a dead one as a hat could be another aspect of sharing food as a bonding experience in the group, Giles said. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 In addition to the first-of-its-kind itinerary, the ship amenities are plentiful. Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Dec. 2024 Coach Rachel Shrout said her size and potential are plentiful. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 Discounts on everything from mattresses to sheets, comforters, and pajamas are plentiful at the moment. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plentiful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • Why to Water Trees in the Winter Ensuring trees have ample soil moisture is important in winter, especially if the weather has been dry and soil is lacking moisture.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The new Manhattan Suite offers breathtaking views of Central Park, impeccable design and ample space.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Globally, Ireland was this year's most generous country, and Norway was the top country in supporting fundraisers beyond its borders.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Engage In Active Listening One crucial strategy is generous listening.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Recent examples of people acting out of this same humble presumption—and being slapped down for it—are abundant.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Lessons from nations with better-performing health systems are abundant.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near plentiful

Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on plentiful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!