Definition of prolificnext

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 Future first-round draft pick and prolific chain-wearer Drew Burress has Georgia Tech near the top of the preseason polls and eyeing a trip to Omaha, even before the season kicks off Friday against Bowling Green. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Hemsworth stars as a prolific jewel thief, while Ruffalo plays the detective hot on his trail. Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026 Golden State traded Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks for Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 sharpshooter and prolific shot-blocker with iffy health. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026 This didn’t stop him from becoming one of the publication’s most prolific and enjoyable critics. Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolific
Adjective
  • The lead-up to Kennedy’s circus of sci-fi fantasists and food bloggers provides an object lesson in how the left cedes fertile political territory to the right.
    Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Food shortages, internal migrations, and overcrowding had already signaled a slippage in imperial power, and created a fertile environment for disease.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of us have guest lectured in his law school class on the Arkansas Constitution, and his passion for our state's rich heritage is evident.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Hiring an experienced guide, such as Eduard Casajuana at Mallorcalpina or Pep Platel at ViuAventura, will result in a richer overall experience.
    Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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