abundant

[uh-buhn-duhnt]

adjective

1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient.

   an abundant supply of water.

   Synonyms: profuse, copious
   Antonyms: scarce, sparse

2. well supplied with something; abounding.

   a river abundant in salmon.

   Synonyms: rich, rich, teeming
   Antonyms: scarce, sparse

3. richly supplied, as with resources.

   an abundant land.

   Synonyms: rich, rich, teeming
   Antonyms: scarce, sparse

abundant

/ əˈbʌndənt /

adjective

1. existing in plentiful supply

2. having a plentiful supply (of)

3. (of a chemical element or mineral) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other elements or minerals in the earth's crust or some other specified environment

4. (of an isotope) occurring to an extent specified in relation to other isotopes in a mixture of isotopes

Other Word Forms

• abundantly adverb
• preabundant adjective
• preabundantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of abundant¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (from Middle French ), from Latin abundant- (stem of abundāns ) overflowing. See abound, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of abundant¹

C14: from Latin abundant-, present participle of abundāre to _abound

Synonym Study

See plentiful.

Example Sentences

The book has chapters devoted to everything from the library’s design to its construction, and features abundant color illustrations.

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With fertile soil, abundant sunshine and moist coastal air, the funnel-shaped valley is noted for long growing seasons and a wide array of crops.

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But it was further evidence of his abundant contempt for the rule of law.

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“Based on recent sustained repo market pressures and other growing signs of reserves moving from abundant to ample, I expect that it will not be long before we reach ample reserves,” Williams told the event.

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Their analysis showed a dramatic rise in overlap during years when fish were less abundant.

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Related Words

• ample 
• bountiful 
• copious 
• generous 
• heavy 
• rich 
• sufficient