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 This is fertile territory for a filmmaker like Del Toro. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025 Italy's economy has been fertile ground for banking growth of late. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2025 The rippling fallout of war on families has long been fertile ground for cinema — trauma is calcified while secrets from the past become myths, either perpetuated long enough to solidify into fact or exposed as falsehoods that cause entire identities to be questioned. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025 Perhaps the most fertile ground for projects merging beauty and jewelry is in high perfumery, as fragrance bottles can double as objets d’art. Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fertile
Adjective
  • However, in terms of prolific output, that remains his only notable season to date (eight goals in 44 games in all competitions last season).
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025
  • First and foremost, the prolific filmmaker — The Stranger is his 24th feature since his debut, See the Sea, was released in 1997 — finds an exquisite way to transform Camus’ words into pictures.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fertile

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