SUCCESSFUL Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

successful

adjective

sək-ˈses-fəl

Definition of successful

as in prosperous

having attained a desired end or state of good fortune the play had a successful run on Broadway

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thriving

marked by vigorous growth and well-being especially economically sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 successful The track seems like the clearest, most successful showcase of what Bass Persuades aimed to accomplish both in sound and subject. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026 The successful ignition does not mean the engine has completed development. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026 The tale of two Italian immigrant brothers who dream of running a successful restaurant in America, the film was a huge favorite in Sundance and could achieve modest commercial success despite its lack of exploitable elements. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026 After their successful two-year immersion into the business, Launch participants are offered a full-time job. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for successful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for successful

Adjective

The country is almost certainly dirtier, poorer, less prosperous, and in some ways less safe than in 2024.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026
He was haunted by Switzerland’s position of neutrality during the fight against the Nazis, and he was troubled by the accommodations his prosperous countrymen were willing to make after the war to maintain their comfortable detachment.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of prosperous

Adjective

Golf photographer Brian Murphy says that Orlando’s thriving golf scene is ideal for residents who enjoy the game.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
The Braves, who reported $732 million in revenue in 2025, should trade for an even higher revenue multiple than the Angels because the Braves have a thriving real-estate development around their stadium, Colvin argued.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of thriving

Adjective

Still, the administrators, the commissioners and league presidents must recognize that if trade wars devolve into something more hateful and restrictive, team owners may find their golden goose has fallen into the crockpot.

— Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Return the baking dish to the oven and cook the chicken until the liquid is nicely reduced and the skins are crisp and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes longer.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of golden

Browse Nearby Words

successes

successful

successfulness

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“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successful. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of successful

adjective

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