Synonym Chooser

How is the word prolific distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prolific are fecund, fertile, and fruitful. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.

a prolific writer

When is fecund a more appropriate choice than prolific?

The meanings of fecund and prolific largely overlap; however, fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

a fecund herd

When is it sensible to use fertile instead of prolific?

The words fertile and prolific are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

How does the word fruitful relate to other synonyms for prolific?

Fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

fruitful research

Example 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 prolific Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 having already established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe. George Ramsay, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 Martin has become one of Miami’s most prolific developers in recent years, having built or partnered on a series of architecturally distinctive high-rise condos, including the twisty, twin Grove at Grand Bay towers, as well as residential subdivisions in Doral. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 Author of multiple books on Chicano history, Gómez-Quiñones also wrote essays and poetry and was known as the Latino Cornel West for his prolific appearances in Spanish-language media. Russell Contreras, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 Instead of pitching and waiting for replies, focus on being prolific. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prolific 

Thesaurus Entries Near prolific

Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!