plethora

noun

ˈple-thə-rə How to pronounce plethora (audio)
Definition of plethoranext
1
as in plenty
an amount or supply more than sufficient to meet one's needs a biology textbook that is helpfully illustrated with a plethora of excellent illustrations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed the author offers a plethora of detail that tends to overwhelm the reader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 plethora These surveys yielded a plethora of astronomical discoveries, including that the universe is expanding. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 The Grammy-winning rapper has a plethora of acting experience. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 Many vertical companies invest heavily in marketing to acquire consumers on a show-by-show basis while a plethora of apps are competing to become go-to platforms for consumers. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 With its scenic location on the New River, there are a plethora of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Jacksonville. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plethora
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plethora
  1. abundance
  2. surplus
  3. wealth
  4. excess
Noun
  • Maybe that abundance is exactly why experiences like these hit so hard.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That’s the great thing—more, more, more, abundance, the Library of Alexandria at your fingertips, whatever, right?
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of abundance
Noun
  • After receiving unsolicited donations due to his online fame, Ashton chose to redirect these funds to clean seniors' bins for free, reinvesting any surplus into his business and savings.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Broward School District is considering the closure of 10 schools as officials look to address a surplus of 60,000 empty seats, a decision that has sparked concern among local families.
    — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of surplus
Noun
  • Institutional investors still seem to see growth opportunities, even if some sovereign wealth funds show signs of potential pullbacks.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Japan’s royal succession depends on a archaic and highly contested law, despite a wealth of women who would be eligible to rule under different circumstances.
    — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wealth
Noun
  • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour until well coated on both sides, shaking off any excess.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Las Vegas is known for its neon lights and over-the-top excess.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of excess

Browse Nearby Words

pleonastic
plethora
plethoras
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Plethora.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plethora. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All