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Synonym Chooser

How is the word fruitful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fruitful are fecund, fertile, and prolific. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

fruitful research

When is fecund a more appropriate choice than fruitful?

The words fecund and fruitful can be used in similar contexts, but fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

a fecund herd

In what contexts can fertile take the place of fruitful?

In some situations, the words fertile and fruitful are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When would prolific be a good substitute for fruitful?

The meanings of prolific and fruitful largely overlap; however, 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 fruitful Former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty hasn’t enjoyed the most fruitful start to his NFL career. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2025 This action in some crowded, expensive stocks after a long and fruitful rally could simply be a bout of profit-taking and belated seasonal choppiness. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2025 Some of that advocacy has already proved fruitful overseas; other trade groups have fought for similar protections from AI. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Sep. 2025 Veritas’ unique focus on where technology meets government and bureaucracy has proven fruitful. Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fruitful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fruitful
Adjective
  • From October 8th through the 10th, the Moon shifts into Taurus, cooling the lava into fertile earth.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
  • That kind of history and devastation can be fertile ground for paranormal investigations.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But what a response — a performance full of waspish pressing, muscular defending and precise, efficient counters.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The offense was efficient in the pass game with four Dak Prescott passing touchdowns, and the run game success continued behind Javonte Williams’ 135 yards and two total touchdowns.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The prolific and iconoclastic filmmaker — who was previously a successful French electronic musician and record producer — is known for his absurdist and quirky sense of humor, as well as his boldness that stands out in the French cinema landscape.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Driving that bet is OpenAI, whose CEO Sam Altman has proven to be a prolific dealmaker.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If someone is forced to fight an attacker, the officer said the most effective targets are the eyes, throat and groin.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Broadleaf herbicides are effective, too, and fall is the best time to apply them.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Being part of this team, there’s so much rich history.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The cool colors seemed colder, the warm ones red-hot, and the subtle gradations across the spectrum were seemingly infinite and filled with rich detail.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kupin also said his experience working with representatives for the company have been productive and positive, echoing the sentiment shared by Watson reiterating the company's commitment to working with public sector stakeholders.
    Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Visionaries in Silicon Valley see the technology creating new industries, curing diseases, and making workers more productive.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fruitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitful. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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