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 Amenities for residential owners are plentiful and include a private movie screening room and sports for children. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 Laughs are always plentiful at Big Slick, thanks to guest lists heavy on fun and funny entertainers. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025 With 16 seniors, however, varsity opportunities weren’t plentiful. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 The Queen of Copa Tributes to Brazil were plentiful throughout the show. Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for plentiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plentiful
Adjective
  • Inside and out, there’s ample space to unwind, and the villas have direct access to a serene river pool.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
  • Even with two All-Star aces as probables, we should be treated to ample offense this weekend.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The cockpit can be fitted with a solar Starlight Bimini providing generous shade.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Similarly, the Department of Justice has pulled back from policing financial crimes, including those involving cryptocurrency, whose kingpins were among Trump’s most generous donors.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Investment in nuclear power is growing in the U.S. after a long period of financial turmoil for the industry, including the shutdown of a dozen reactors in recent years as the industry struggled to compete against cheap and abundant natural gas.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • With warmer weather comes fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables packed with abundant nutrients.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plentiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plentiful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on plentiful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!