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 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
  • Couples treatments here are not to be missed; a lavish duet suite boasts side-by-side soaking tubs and treatment tables.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Dining options are decidedly more lavish than on most American carriers.
    Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to copious brands and flavors of sports gels for runners, many brands make alternatives like energy chews, blocks, bars, and even jellybeans for those who prefer something a bit more solid.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to giving us copious memes, Left Shark is at least partly responsible for Alexis’ oddball entrance on Nick Viall’s season.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Magnesium is an abundant body mineral in many foods and some common medicines.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
  • While the beach is certainly the main attraction around here, the multi-level infinity pool and on-property casino add to the already abundant charm.
    Jared Ranahan, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Panthers have a solid-but-not-great cap situation due to years of restructurings, and their draft capital is plentiful with the option to be enhanced by a trade out of the top 10.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025
  • During a recent visit, the place was packed and plates of labneh (yogurt cheese), sabzi polo (Persian rice with a browned crust) and chicken kebabs were plentiful.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Those not able to cash in, however, see the program as one of two things: a genuine offer hamstrung by excessive red tape, or a half-hollow gesture meant to rack up free PR in the midst of a historic disaster.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Progressive reformers viewed this as a modern evil just like unsafe working conditions and the excessive power of trusts.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Expect ample debates over social media moderation and the future of TikTok after the Supreme Court on Friday backed a law forcing the app’s owner, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States.
    Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Shoppers shared that they were repeatedly impressed by its ample interior space and can pack far more than expected.
    Alyssa Brascia, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near profuse

Cite this Entry

“Profuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profuse. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on profuse

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