profusion

[ pruh-fyoo-zhuhn ]

noun

1. abundance; abundant quantity.

   Synonyms: copiousness, bounty

   Antonyms: scarcity

2. a great quantity or amount (often followed by of ).
3. lavish spending; extravagance.

   Synonyms: waste, excess, profligacy, prodigality

Word History and Origins

Origin of profusion¹

First recorded in 1535–45; rom Latin profūsiōn- (stem of profūsiō ) “a pouring out, extravagance,” originally, “libation”; profuse, fusion

Synonym Study

See plenty.

Example Sentences

For many locals, the South Bay, with its profusion of Japanese supermarkets and restaurants, has eclipsed Little Tokyo for everyday shopping and eating.

From Los Angeles Times

Seventy-eight million years later, members of that ancient profusion are still turning up, leading to a modern boom in discoveries.

From New York Times

He produced, with very mixed results, a profusion of giant metal reliefs, undulating and glittery constructions sprayed with automotive paint.

From New York Times

What we have now is a profusion of well-cast, sleekly produced competence.

From New York Times

At fish counters across Long Island, imported salmon fillets glisten in greater profusion than local mackerel and black sea bass.

From New York Times

Related Words

• glut
• outpouring