Crossword Genius

Abundant plunder left out (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rife

'abundant' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'plunder left out' is the wordplay.
'plunder' becomes 'rifle' (synonyms).
'left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'out' is a deletion indicator.
'rifle' with 'l' taken out is 'RIFE'.

(Other definitions for rife that I've seen before include "Widespread sort of fire" , "Endemic" , "Of widespread occurrence" , "Abounding" , "Widespread like fire" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app