fulsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fulsome' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means showing or offering an excessive amount of something, especially compliments or praise. For example, you could say, "The people of the town offered him a fulsome welcome after his return from overseas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Better to let the Patriot Act sunset and reboot the conversation with a more fulsome debate," said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Guardian

I suspect he'll continue to stand to Cruz's side for awhile longer, collecting speaking engagements and offering Cruz fulsome praise until Cruz's moment ends.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has the fulsome backing of his party.

The Economist

As he notes in the short video below, there is already a favourite for the seat, California state senator Jackie Speier, who receives Mr Lessig's fulsome praise, followed by a sharp preemptive strike.

The Economist

One DPJ prime minister, Naoto Kan, offered a fulsome apology on the centenary of the Korean annexation.

The Economist

Ground commanders who had led troops in the scrutinised final battle against the rebels in 2009 were fulsome with self-congratulatory speeches claiming that the number of civilians killed by military fire was minimal.As they would have it, the Tigers launched barrages of artillery and mortar fire at their troops from among civilians cowering in the congested no-fire zones declared by the army.

The Economist

Editorial comment in Algeria's press, which is often critical of the military, was fulsome in praise.

The Economist

They doubt that he can survive for the remaining 18 months of his term, fearing that no amount of apologising now—his advisers are working flat-out on a campaign combining explanation with fulsome apology at the results conference can save him.

The Economist

It was greeted with fulsome praise and won the Bancroft award, the main historical prize.

The Economist

Mr Bomann-Larsen was fulsome in his praise of the prime minister last year and predicted that he could remain in power for decades.

The Economist

THERE was fulsome praise from fellow senators, of course, but something more.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fulsome", be mindful of its potential negative connotation of insincerity. Ensure that the context suggests genuine abundance rather than excessive flattery to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "fulsome" when you mean "full" or "complete". "Fulsome" describes the manner of expression, not the quantity or completeness of something.

Linguistic Context

Fulsome" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is expressed in an excessive or abundant manner. Ludwig examples show its use with words like "praise", "apology", and "tribute". Ludwig AI indicates that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fulsome" is a versatile adjective used to describe an excess of something, commonly praise or apologies. While grammatically sound, "fulsome" often carries a negative connotation of insincerity, so be mindful when using it. According to Ludwig, the word is valid, and the examples show that it appears frequently in news and media sources. When writing, it's important not to confuse "fulsome" with "full" and consider alternative words like "effusive", "profuse", or "unctuous" to ensure you convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effusive

Emphasizes unrestrained emotional expression, often more positive than "fulsome".

profuse

Focuses on abundance and generosity, lacking the potential insincerity of "fulsome".

unctuous

Highlights insincerity and a greasy, ingratiating manner, carrying a stronger negative connotation than "fulsome".

excessive

Stresses that something exceeds reasonable limits, applicable beyond praise or flattery.

over-the-top

Emphasizes extravagance and theatricality, often used informally.

extravagant

Focuses on lavishness and unrestrained display, potentially lacking sincerity.

copious

Highlights a large quantity or supply, applicable to various nouns besides praise.

abundant

Similar to copious, denoting a plentiful amount.

immoderate

Implies a lack of restraint and can be applied in many situations.

overgenerous

Indicates an excess of generosity and can be seen as excessive or inappropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "fulsome" in a sentence?

You can use "fulsome" to describe praise, apologies, or tributes that are expressed excessively or abundantly. For instance, "The company issued a "fulsome apology" for the error" or "The actor received "fulsome praise" for his performance".

What's a good alternative to the word "fulsome"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "effusive", "profuse", or "unctuous". Each carries slightly different connotations related to sincerity and abundance.

Is it better to use "fulsome" or "full"?

"Fulsome" and "full" have different meanings. Use "fulsome" when referring to the excessive or abundant nature of an expression (like praise or apologies), and use "full" when describing completeness or quantity.

Can "fulsome" be used in a positive way?

While "fulsome" can describe abundance, it often carries a negative connotation of insincerity. If you intend to express genuine appreciation without any hint of insincerity, consider using alternatives like "heartfelt", "sincere", or "generous".