productive

adjective

prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce productive (audio)
Definition of productivenext
1
as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form contributed several productive ideas to the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prolific
producing abundantly overfishing has depleted the stock of fish in these waters, which were once so productive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in efficient
producing or capable of producing a desired result panicking during a crisis is not productive behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 productive However, pruning at planting is essential for developing a strong, productive canopy. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 Junior Rigby Gora should anchor the offensive line, and senior Jimmy Parisi is a productive wide receiver. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Payton said this week the plan for Nix will be about 14 plays, so a couple of drives, depending on how productive the offense is early in the game. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 This is also where draft-and-develop plays a major role in the Dolphins having a productive season. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for productive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for productive
  1. creative
  2. prolific
  3. efficient
  4. constructive
  5. fertile
  6. effective
  7. rich
  8. fruitful
Adjective
  • Gager stepped down from his role in 2017, but his creative streak remains strong.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • At the new Artistry in Action area at University and Tasso, artists and instructors from the Pacific Art League will take visitors through the creative process — with questions welcome.
    — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Qianlong, one of history’s greatest and most prolific collectors, had opulent taste and seemingly bottomless funds.
    — Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • So claimed Christine Vachon, speaking at the Variety Lounge at Edinburgh International Film Festival, where the prolific indie film icon gave a brief insight into the pain — but also joy — of producing.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of prolific
Adjective
  • The 24-year-old has been efficient in the final third, contributing goals and assists, while being composed and attentive with and without the ball in deeper areas.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Unitree’s robots remain less efficient than human workers and must be retrained from scratch for each new task, Wang said.
    — Anniek Bao,Jenni Reid,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of efficient
Adjective
  • The Israeli government said in a message in English that conversations were deep and constructive, while a message in Hebrew, attributed to an anonymous Israeli official, emphasized disagreements and said that Israel doubts Hamas will disarm.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Successfully navigating this season requires executive emotional intelligence, curious listening, and adaptive constructive feedback strategies that provide clarity at both ends of the spectrum.
    — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of constructive
Adjective
  • The song itself helps explain why this particular Jay-Z single has become such fertile material.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As more fertile land degrades into dry, barren desert, the meeting is workshopping climate solutions using its key anti-desertification treaty, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fertile
Adjective
  • The effective closure of the strait throughout the nearly six-month war has seen the cost of energy and other vital commodities rise.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Following a diet rich in whole foods, especially protein-rich foods, is an effective way to improve and maintain your basal metabolic rate (BMR).
    — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of effective
Adjective
  • That nutritional profile has made sardines a particularly popular choice among people looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to their diets.
    — Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The analysis is particularly striking in Indian Creek, where the golf course sits at the heart of an enclave whose 41 homeowners include some of the world’s richest people.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Researchers told me that many Democrats believe that the pinnacle of achievement is having a good education and a fruitful career.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
  • After splitting time with Carsen Durante in what turned into a very fruitful pairing last fall, Valente now see this as his time to shine.
    — Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fruitful

Browse Nearby Words

productions
productive
productiveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Productive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/productive. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on productive

Nglish: Translation of productive for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tilde

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All