Plethora/ˈpleθərə/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Often Exaggerated Used to emphasize a great amount, sometimes more than reality. He has a plethora of excuses for being late. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage 'Plethora' isn't always literal; it can be used figuratively. She received a plethora of compliments on her performance. Pro Tip 3/3Potential Overwhelm Implies that the amount is so large it's difficult to manage. The plethora of rules can be daunting for new players.