abound

verb

ə-ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce abound (audio)
abounded; abounding; abounds
Synonyms of abound

intransitive verb

1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : to be prevalent
a business in which opportunities abound
errors and inconsistencies abound
2
: to be copiously supplied
—used with in or with
… life abounded in mysteries …—Norman Mailer
institutions abound with evidence of his success—Johns Hopkins Magazine

Synonyms of abound

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Examples of abound in a Sentence

They live in a region where oil abounds. a city that abounds with art museums and private galleries
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Historic details abound, from tall sash windows and paneled walls to decorative plaster ceilings and elegant 18th-century fireplaces. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 Blood tests and physical exams abound in midlife, but for brain aging, there are three biomarkers Tucker recommends keeping an eye on. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026 Of course, challenges abound — even for the DFM itself, whose shift from its traditional July dates reflected the crisis in funding for cultural events in South Africa and across the continent. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 When Martinez, who was widely considered an ambassador and pioneer of Garifuna music, died in March 2025, tribute concerts and music memorials abounded. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abound

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abounden, borrowed from Anglo-French abunder, borrowed from Latin abundāre "to overflow, be full, be plentifully supplied (with)," from ab- ab- + undāre "to rise in waves, surge, flood," verbal derivative of unda "wave" — more at water entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abound was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing abound

Rhymes for abound

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Cite this Entry

“Abound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abound. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

abound

verb
ə-ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce abound (audio)
1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity
wildlife abounds
2
: to be filled or abundantly supplied
a stream abounding in fish
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