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

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 prolific The Rockies center fielder won his second straight National League Rawlings Gold Glove Award on Sunday following another prolific defensive season. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024 The Grammy Museum announced earlier this week that Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, a new exhibit dedicated to the prolific vocalist, opens on Nov. 20 and will run through June 15, 2025. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Its fetching design was by the hugely prolific Giovanni Michelotti, whose pen touched nearly every great Italian marque. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 One of the 22 at the root of the Knights’ undefeated campaign is junior Daniel Truong, a 5-foot-6 running back and linebacker who tallied a prolific 1,058 yards, 14 touchdowns and 42 tackles through seven games. Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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