noun

plethora

/ˈplɛθərə/ · say it: PLETH·uh·ruh

a very large amount, often more than needed

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

a very large amount of something, usually more than you need

Examples

There is a plethora of options available to choose from.

How to use plethora

Plethora suggests an overabundance or excessive quantity that may be overwhelming or unnecessary. It is commonly used in formal or academic writing to emphasize that there are too many of something. The word carries a slightly negative or ironic tone compared to neutral terms like 'many' or 'lots of.'

Common phrases

a plethora of options
a plethora of reasons
a plethora of problems
plethora of choices
plethora of evidence

Synonyms

abundance · multitude · surfeit · glut · excess

Opposites

scarcity · dearth · shortage

Word family

plethoric (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use plethora to mean simply 'a lot of' without the implication of excess or surplus; plethora specifically suggests more than needed or wanted.

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