fulsome

American  

[fool-suhm, fuhl-] / ˈfʊl səm, ˈfʌl- /

adjective

1. offensive to good taste, especially as being excessive; overdone or gross.

   fulsome praise that embarrassed her deeply; fulsome décor.

2. disgusting; sickening; repulsive.

   a table heaped with fulsome mounds of greasy foods.

3. excessively or insincerely lavish.

   fulsome admiration.

4. encompassing all aspects; comprehensive.

   a fulsome survey of the political situation in Central America.

5. abundant or copious.

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fulsome British  

/ ˈfʊlsəm /

adjective

1. excessive or insincere, esp in an offensive or distasteful way

   fulsome compliments

2. not_standard extremely complimentary

3. informal full, rich or abundant

   a fulsome figure

   a fulsome flavour

   fulsome detail

4. archaic disgusting; loathsome

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Sensitive Note

In the 13th century when it was first used, fulsome meant simply “abundant or copious.” It later developed additional senses of “offensive, gross” and “disgusting, sickening,” probably by association with foul, and still later a sense of excessiveness: a fulsome disease; a fulsome meal, replete with too much of everything. For some centuries fulsome was used exclusively, or nearly so, with these unfavorable meanings. Today, both fulsome and fulsomely are also used in senses closer to the original one: The sparse language of the new Prayer Book contrasts with the fulsome language of Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer. Later they discussed the topic more fulsomely. These uses are often criticized on the grounds that fulsome must always retain its connotations of “excessive” or “offensive.” The common phrase fulsome praise is thus sometimes ambiguous in modern use.

Usage

The use of fulsome to mean extremely complimentary or full, rich or abundant is common in journalism, but should be avoided in other kinds of writing

Other Word Forms

• fulsomely adverb
• fulsomeness noun
• unfulsome adjective

Etymology

Origin of fulsome

First recorded in 1200–50, fulsome is from the Middle English word fulsom. See full ¹, -some ¹

Example Sentences

But even where it did get mentioned onstage, the deck was stacked against a fulsome geopolitical debate.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

On Monday, Summers issued a more fulsome apology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The room was packed, and at least half of them were beaming and smiling and offering Karoline Leavitt fulsome thanks.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025

The former president had fulsome praise for Elon Musk and went out of his way to invite him to the stage.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2024

The fulsome belly, the haunches and feet, rested firmly on the ground.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig