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 Once the lions get comfortable in a neighborhood where deer are plentiful, an attack on a pet or a human is more likely, Tira said. — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 The food Food is solid and plentiful, its impending arrival signaled by a flight attendant bringing down your tray table and laying upon it a white napkin-as-tablecloth. — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 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 Squirrels naturally become busy caching food for colder months, especially when nuts are plentiful. — Tricia Goss, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • For the film, Cowan dug into the idea of the modern debutante dress, looking to the annual Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris for inspiration, while working in ample femininity and polish.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Observers say that even with ample power, Beijing’s vision has its limits.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The 87 does, however, introduce a fresh onboard layout to the line, with a beam of 39 feet creating generous living quarters.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The cover lifts up and back, exposing the build platform, resin tank, and vertical motion system with generous access from the front and sides.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Though local talent is abundant, there are few resources to develop homegrown IP.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • By ditching expensive cobalt and nickel for cheap, abundant iron, automakers lower costs while creating a battery that is safer and less prone to fire.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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