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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fruitful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fruitful are fecund, fertile, and prolific. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

fruitful research

When is fecund a more appropriate choice than fruitful?

The words fecund and fruitful can be used in similar contexts, but fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

a fecund herd

In what contexts can fertile take the place of fruitful?

In some situations, the words fertile and fruitful are roughly equivalent. However, fertile implies the power to reproduce in kind or to assist in reproduction and growth; applied figuratively, it suggests readiness of invention and development.

fertile soil
a fertile imagination

When would prolific be a good substitute for fruitful?

The meanings of prolific and fruitful largely overlap; however, prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.

a prolific writer

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of fruitful Ohmori, Wakai, and Fujisawa chatted with Billboard Japan, looking back on a fruitful 2024 and sharing some visions for the new year. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024 And he’s enjoyed a fruitful association with Hugh Jackman on The Wolverine and Logan. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024 Despite its relative scarcity on streaming services — episodes are available for purchase but not included in any subscriptions — it’s become a fruitful source of TikTok fodder. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024 Mo’ Better Blues (1990) Mo’ Better Blues opened just a few months after Washington won his first Oscar, beginning a fruitful partnership with Lee. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fruitful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitful
Adjective
  • Free from many predators and competitors, South America offered a fertile ground for adaptation and evolution.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • In addition to staging a resurgence in Afghanistan, ISIS has also found fertile ground to grow across numerous parts of Africa.
    Tom O'Connor, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Energy Department funding supported the commercialization of LED lights, which are highly efficient and long-lasting.
    Margaret E. Kosal, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Dooley advised SMBs to use customer data to tailor payment options and loyalty programs, ensuring efficient and secure transactions.
    Gene Marks, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The misses — at this point three years into his tenure — have been as prolific as his hits.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Instead of pitching and waiting for replies, focus on being prolific.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, online therapy appears to be pretty darn effective and has been endorsed by the American Psychological Association.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
  • How To Optimize Health During Wildfires The most effective way to preserve health during wildfires is to stay indoors, and keep windows and doors shut.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Photograph: Ninja; Getty Images A good latte or cappuccino is like a rich, milky mug of heaven.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The whisky's texture is rich, creamy, and mouth-coating.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Howard is surrounded by an embarrassment of riches at Ohio State, which possesses the best group of receivers in the country headlined by freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith and a productive veteran in Emeka Egbuka.
    Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The most productive teams are those in which the members believe there is a uniquely good fit between this group of individuals and the task at hand.
    London Business School, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fruitful

Cite this Entry

“Fruitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitful. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fruitful

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