abound

verb

ə-ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce abound (audio)
abounded; abounding; abounds
Synonyms of abound

intransitive verb

1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity : to be prevalent
a business in which opportunities abound
errors and inconsistencies abound
2
: to be copiously supplied
—used with in or with
… life abounded in mysteries …—Norman Mailer
institutions abound with evidence of his success—Johns Hopkins Magazine

Synonyms of abound

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Examples of abound in a Sentence

They live in a region where oil abounds. a city that abounds with art museums and private galleries
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And the heat stack is still being built and opportunities abound. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Meanwhile, concerns about public safety, homelessness and quality-of-life issues abound. — Jonathan Beaton, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Seasonal produce abounds, and it was all made even tastier with a jar of fresh toum from Obour Foods, which added garlicky zest to meals for days after a recent visit. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 How to Make Kath Bars Recipes for these chewy date bars now abound on Reddit, but the one that has become a favorite among thousands of Redditors couldn’t be simpler to make. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abound

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abounden, borrowed from Anglo-French abunder, borrowed from Latin abundāre "to overflow, be full, be plentifully supplied (with)," from ab- ab- + undāre "to rise in waves, surge, flood," verbal derivative of unda "wave" — more at water entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abound was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing abound

Rhymes for abound

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Abound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abound. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

abound

verb
ə-ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce abound (audio)
1
: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity
wildlife abounds
2
: to be filled or abundantly supplied
a stream abounding in fish

More from Merriam-Webster on abound

Nglish: Translation of abound for Spanish Speakers

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