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 Implementation of such processes requires significant manpower, technology and time, in addition to money to deploy, which can be particularly tricky for emerging fintechs, where resources are less plentiful. Branden Abushanab, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 With its warm wood planking, plentiful resting areas, and plantings of long, waving grasses, the park, no matter how crowded, feels like a calm canyon snaking through crumbling tenements and monumental skyscrapers, offering occasional glimpses of the Hudson River beyond. News Desk, Artforum, 13 Mar. 2025 The ghosts of disasters past are plentiful for Leeds at QPR, and Farke wanted an exorcism. Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025 Rains are also plentiful during spring, which can benefit establishment. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • The image features a small region of the SMC near the center of NGC 346, a star cluster that is home to dozens of massive young stars, fueled by ample amounts of dust and gas.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In other words, big brains developed during a period where there is an ample archeological record but meat eating does not explain why humans are so smart.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Of all the airlines, Alaska and Hawaiian offer the most generous commitments.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Yeah, well, thank you for having me on and thank you for that really generous introduction.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Bedrock was working on sodium-ion batteries, which are lower cost, as sodium is more abundant and cheaper than lithium, and don't use cobalt or nickel.
    Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
  • These include soaring ceilings and large windows that let in abundant natural light, not to mention the beautiful views.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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