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 The prolific Prose has played in history’s sandbox before—as with 2014’s winning Lovers at the Chameleon Club, 1932. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 San Diego State has received a commitment from Kentucky transfer quarterback Stone Saunders, a prolific high school passer who entered the portal after a coaching change with the Wildcats. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 In a superseding indictment unsealed Saturday, federal prosecutors have accused Maduro, his wife, son and others of partnering with some of the most violent, prolific drug traffickers and narco terrorists in the world to distribute tons of cocaine to the United States for decades. Matt Gutman, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 Taylor Sheridan, ever the prolific TV creator, will continue filming across North Texas in January. Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prolific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolific
Adjective
  • Texas is one of the most fertile — and affordable — states to grow your business from the ground up, according to a new analysis that weighs startup costs, taxes and regulatory fees, among other factors.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Curitiba is the capital of the state of Parana which is nearly as large as Illinois and Indiana put together and equally as fertile.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Layer warm materials and textures to make spaces feel richer and less stark.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly touted Venezuela’s rich oil supply as among the motivations for the January 2 military assault on the country and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, who has since been charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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