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successful

adjective

suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce successful (audio)
Synonyms of successfulnext
1
: resulting or terminating in success
a successful attempt
2
: gaining or having gained success
a successful investor
successfully adverb
successfulness noun

Examples of successful in a Sentence

the play had a successful run on Broadway sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For successful propagation in water, use clear containers, and wait until roots are about 1 inch long before planting in soil. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025 By investing in private markets, middle-class investors will be able to diversify their portfolios and get more exposure to successful private companies. Will Dunham, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025 That’s the fantasy anyway—the fantasy of a more ambitious, joyful, even successful past, one which has led you to a more fulfilling present moment. Literary Hub, 8 Dec. 2025 Indiana Republicans prepare for a potential lawsuit While the Supreme Court has appeared to further narrow the potential for a successful legal challenge, Indiana Republicans are already preparing to make them as short and sweet as possible. Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for successful

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of successful was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successful. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

successful

adjective
suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce successful (audio)
1
: resulting or ending in success
2
: gaining or having gained success
successfully adverb
successfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on successful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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