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.
His father ran a successful silver and jewelry business, and later served as a director of an insurance company in Hartford, Connecticut. Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Six years later, the couple has built a successful shopping venue that offers bulk snacks, baking goods and supplies, candy, coffee and tea, as well as gifts, olive oil and machines to grind nut butters or coffee. Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 That includes a second vote in Nevada to confirm a successful 2024 referendum Pritzker supported and a push by conservative groups in Missouri to repeal an amendment voters approved the same year. Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 The city is home to several in-the-works multi-million dollar developments, and is an attractive place for people looking to move to Parker County for its spacious land and proximity to successful school districts. Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successful. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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

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