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

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 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
  • Target shoppers have the opportunity to snag deals on everyday essentials to more lavish gifts.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Once absorbed by the skin, the remaining mud is rinsed off in a lavish Vichy shower, and afterward skin is soothed with an aloe gel mask.
    Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Chunky sweaters, knit hats and fluffy slippers are all items that can be worn while eating copious amounts of pasta.
    Caitlin Palumbo, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The harrowing true story of the lions, which raided tents in the camp at night and dragged victims into the thicket, has inspired movies and books over the years — and copious research to understand what drove them to prey on humans.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Collaborations featuring the late artist’s work are abundant and increasing in number, from candles to footwear.
    Andrea Bossi, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Streaming platforms that prioritize a seamless, viewer-centric experience can foster loyalty in an industry where options are abundant and viewer expectations are high.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • So do lower speed limits, plentiful speed cameras, and consistent enforcement.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Blood is a plentiful source of protein-building amino acids, but those typically only account for around 10% of the fuel used by mammals during exercise.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • What’s more, research also shows there's a sweet spot in AI politeness - excessive formality doesn't yield better results, but professional courtesy consistently does.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli, causing our senses to work overtime on what is not necessary or important.
    Shira Gill, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Those just visiting Charlottetown will enjoy wandering around a charming, mostly flat town with ample restaurants, bookshops and other attractions.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Read more Sara Coughlin is a writer and editor with ample experience covering health and wellness trends.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near profuse

Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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