Definition of profusenext

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 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
  • Twenty or thirty years ago, stadiums entered a luxury arms race, and they are now largely designed for lavish fan experiences affordable to only a few.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In Miami, lavish supper clubs with elaborate shows drew crowds.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Bok globules are abundant throughout all gas-rich and dust-rich galaxies, and can be found in many different locations in our own Milky Way.
    Big Think, Big Think, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But the political red flags are abundant right now for Republicans.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The service Casually dressed in khaki and terracotta linen and Vans sneakers, the young staff are plentiful but not always on point.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Etebari, who spoke Friday night at a Valparaiso International Center event, noted that Iran has the world’s second-largest copper mine as well as plentiful gas, oil and coal.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Both problems also thwarted Artemis I, whose capsule returned with excessive heat shield damage.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Those key warning signs include low patient counts, excessive billing, staff shared across multiple companies, and supposedly terminally ill patients who were later discharged alive.
    Adam Yamaguchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Center for Biological Diversity sued Secretary Burgum on March 18, attempting to block the committee meeting, saying the government missed legal requirements, including filing deadlines, providing ample public notice, and having an administrative law judge preside.
    Dan Peck, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Their ample traction provides security on slippery docks (or sidewalks) and the squishy yoga mat-like insole molds to your natural arch.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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