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 Gardner gets lauded as the prolific photographer who helps us see some of the seminal events of American history. Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 Kirk was a prolific podcaster, known for debating and defending his conservative, Christian values on the show. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025 Squibb began her prolific career in the theater world, performing in several productions at the Cleveland Play House before taking on two Off-Broadway roles. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Across the past decade, HARDY has become one of Nashville’s most prolific, versatile voices, a songwriter and artist who can put forth a twangy country anthem as easily as a bone-rattling rock song. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolific
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
  • One way is when iron-rich rock is exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions, but neither are evident in the area around Cheyava Falls.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The story has too many rich details to be a lie, and Marlon knows something of woe too.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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