Definition of plentifulnext

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

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 plentiful Only one plain tart flavor is available, but toppings including fruit, granola, nuts, candy, syrups and cookies are plentiful. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 Even then, coastal property was for the elite, forcing poorer immigrants inland and south, through the Shenandoah Valley to southwest Virginia, where land was plentiful and cheap. — David Alm, Longreads, 1 Oct. 2026 In a wet year when food is plentiful, your best bet is to hunt over soft mast like muscadines and assorted berries; native grasses and legumes. — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026 This means that while Australia's aid is providing Fiji with plentiful access to medications such as PrEP pills to block HIV infections, getting these drugs to the right people is not straightforward. — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • There is access to miles of amazing hiking trails, gin bottle-blue glacial rivers and lakes, and ample opportunity to spot the again-thriving native wildlife.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But critics point to turmoil already seen at CBS under Skydance ownership — and aren’t convinced this new body will move the needle much, because Ellison is set to have ample oversight over appointments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Before going to bed, Joy leaves out a generous spread of midnight snacks packed full of chicken for the guests, who stay up late.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There, local fishermen demonstrated their sustainable crayfish harvesting process, and as a spectacular touch, the helicopter lifted one of the crayfish tanks straight out of the ocean, giving our client a dramatic view of the abundant catch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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