Synonym Chooser

How is the word fertile distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fertile are fecund, fruitful, and prolific. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," 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

Where would fecund be a reasonable alternative to fertile?

While the synonyms fecund and fertile are close in meaning, fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

a fecund herd

How is fruitful related to other words for fertile?

Fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

fruitful research

In what contexts can prolific take the place of fertile?

Although the words prolific and fertile have much in common, prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.

a prolific writer

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 fertile Meanwhile, Syria has turned from a fertile ground to a hostile one for Iran and its assets, after the Assad regime was toppled in December. Lina Khatib, Time, 19 June 2025 California grows more than one-third of the country’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of the nation’s fruits and nuts in the fertile expanses of the Central Valley, Central Coast and other farming regions. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 If Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi could naturally mate with historical dire wolves and produce fertile offspring, then they would be considered true dire wolves under the biological species concept. Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025 Between the draft and July 1 is fertile ground for those of you who enjoy seeing movement around the league. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fertile
Adjective
  • Written by prolific children’s author Millicent E. Selsam, the book chronicles the process of animal identification, showing children how ordinary places can be sites of scientific observation.
    Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025
  • However, the prolific public commentator is one of China's best-know propagandists and his posts credibly capture part of the mood in the country.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • This rich cream also has panthenol and niacinamide for a smooth and bouncy complexion.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Now, four years later, 40 square miles of river-floodplain wetlands are now rehydrated, rich wildlife is starting to come back, and the wild system proved its value during 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fertile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fertile. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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