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 This native wildflower is a prolific bloomer, flowering spring through fall despite summer heat, drought, and poor soil. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 That's a more prolific start to the year than any year since 2011. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 17 May 2025 The weeds’ shallow root system cannot become established between the dense, prolific roots of thriving lawn grass. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025 Diamondback is the sixth-largest oil producer in the lower 48 states and the third biggest in the prolific Permian Basin, according to data from Enverus. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prolific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolific
Adjective
  • In it, 1930s Mississippi is seen as a burgeoning and fertile place where blues music is created, as characters perform in moving cars and a juke joint is thrown together for the community to enjoy.
    Dan Heching, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
  • The goal is to create a fertile, well-draining environment that supports strong root establishment.
    Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Russian dressing, a thick, chunky Thousand Island, is rich enough.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
  • Avocados Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, and many other health-promoting nutrients.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prolific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolific. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prolific

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