PROFUSE Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

profuse

adjective

prə-ˈfyüs

Definition of profuse

as in lavish

pouring forth in great amounts we received profuse thanks for our efforts a profuse rush of water from the collapsing dike

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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

The impact is lavish yet hushed; welcoming yet sharply articulated.

— Genevieve Walker, Architectural Digest, 2 Aug. 2026
Then there’s breakfast, à la carte and included with the room, lavish from croissant sandwiches to crepes.

— Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

This is what happened in the Big Thompson back in 1976, when slow-moving thunderstorms dumped copious amounts of rain over mountainous terrain.

— Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 31 July 2026
This one laid the groundwork for an entire genre with its gross-out gags, copious substance abuse, and rousing victory at the end.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

Definition of copious

Adjective

On the reflecting pool, Pirro pursued the investigation despite what defense lawyers say was abundant evidence from the outset that the damage at the pool was the result of preexisting problems that had nothing to do with Hearn.

— Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
The Premier League’s collective wealth is abundant relative to the rest of the world but the ability to spend big year after year is concentrated in the hands of the few.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of abundant

Adjective

The transcontinental railroad would help secure California and its plentiful resources for the Union while also aligning with the country’s embrace of Manifest Destiny — the idea that the United States had a right to grow westward.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
The Denali Ultimate trim is the best trim to choose in terms of plentiful standard features and premium materials.

— Charles Singh, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across all of east Central Florida, according to NWS Melbourne.

— Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Importantly, the robot maintained stable locomotion throughout testing, showing that the AI controller could effectively harness passive energy stored in the compliant feet without introducing instability or excessive corrective movements.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

The Athletic reported in April that some sources close to the squad questioned Skinner’s ability to bring young talent through, stating his preference was to deal with older players already armed with ample senior experience.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Because the atmosphere will have ample moisture, heavy downpours are also a concern, with localized flooding possible, especially in urban and developed areas.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ample

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profundity

profuse

profusion

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“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of profuse

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