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 As one of the most prolific K-pop artists in the industry, MONSTA X becane an inspiration for many trainees and newer K-pop acts, including the fictional boy band, The Saja Boys. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 And with Albarn’s prolific output, these young fans will be hoping that his new material sounds as fresh as his genre-busting first album. Peter Wilkinson, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025 Greene also had a prolific career in television. Jack Dunn, Variety, 1 Sep. 2025 Portland has not been prolific in front of goal, and is still working in its new attackers. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolific
Adjective
  • That said, the vast majority of BDCs trade for less than their NAV right now, and most of them sit in the small-cap space, so perhaps there’s more fertile ground elsewhere.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Mums do best in soil that is fertile, moist, and well-draining.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whole foods rich in natural color are packed with the vitamins and antioxidants growing bodies need.
    Jazmine A. Ortiz, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Romaine lettuce, for example, is richer in nutrients than iceberg lettuce because its leaves let in more sunlight.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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