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 Spatter cones, which are volcanic mounds built up on top of a vent or fissure emitting profuse amounts of lava, were confirmed to be vulnerable to collapse, suggesting they could be targeted in the future. — Robin George Andrews, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2020 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
  • All gaps in time and momentum can be smoothed over by Laura Karpman’s lush and lavish score.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The black-tie event will feature live entertainment, a lavish dinner, and a major fireworks display across the Dubai skyline.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Verity is indisposed, and her husband, Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), is looking for someone to take over her series and come stay at their Vermont house and go through his wife’s copious notes and outlines.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • She has been incapacitated after a car accident but has left copious notes for the next book in a series.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 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
Adjective
  • Finally, their proposal would give Appropriations Committee leaders a quick route to the Senate floor for popular spending bills with plentiful spending amendment opportunities.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Cheaper and more plentiful computing power would allow AI agents to proliferate, Hayes said.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • His decision to have Sale close out Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series and throw 21 pitches was cast as excessive.
    — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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