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

As a chef at a fine dining restaurant inside a lavish Southern resort, Renee Boughman was surrounded by luxury.

— Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Jenner, known for splashing out on lavish events, turned to colorful rhinestone decor to celebrate the milestone, and even plastered gemstones across plastic cups and one of her two birthday cakes.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of lavish

Adjective

Pack a tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in your first aid kit instead of antibiotic ointment and remember to flush all scrapes and cuts with copious amounts of clean water before covering them with the jelly.

— Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
My humidity levels are at an all-time low, which means this swamp rat has started drinking copious amounts of water to deal with the heat.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of copious

Adjective

Southern California is known for its mild winters, warm summers and plentiful sunshine.

— Ben Noll, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Restaurants are plentiful here, but focus your appetite on Tong Thai La Farine, the latter of which has French cakes and pastries worth every calorie.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of plentiful

Adjective

Carrying five tight ends is excessive, so there probably won’t be room for Fidone unless Theo Johnson’s shoulder injury is more serious than initially believed.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Interestingly, patient education level or excessive punctuation had little impact.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of excessive

Adjective

Each lockable box has a hydraulic system engineered for smooth daily operation and a roomy interior that provides ample storage for your patio cushions, gardening gear, toys, or outdoor entertaining essentials.

— Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
There was ample evidence that football caused concussion and that concussion had serious consequences.

— Emily Harrison, STAT, 31 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of profuse

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