1
as in prosperous
having attained a desired end or state of good fortune
the play had a successful run on Broadway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in thriving
marked by vigorous growth and well-being especially economically
sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii
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 successful
The concept proved successful when the original Coulda Fest at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena sold out, featuring appearances from Kai Cenat, 21 Savage, GloRilla and Meek Mill.
—
Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
Goodall was an incredible storyteller and saw it as the most successful way to help people understand the true nature of animals.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
The Dash was particularly successful and considered uniquely lucky.
—Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
Sullivan and his assistants in New York spent all those hours watching film to draw inspiration from the successful coaches around the league and determine the best path for their new team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for successful
Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
Goodall was an incredible storyteller and saw it as the most successful way to help people understand the true nature of animals.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
The Dash was particularly successful and considered uniquely lucky.
—Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025
Sullivan and his assistants in New York spent all those hours watching film to draw inspiration from the successful coaches around the league and determine the best path for their new team.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for successful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for successful
Adjective
-
In the 1820s, Gregor MacGregor announced the discovery of Poyais, a lush and prosperous paradise in Central America.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Nonetheless, the whole area was prosperous and urban.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The characters of Luis and Maria gave me a glimpse of what two happy, thriving Latinos looked like living in a neighborhood where kindness was always in high supply.—
Priscilla Blossom,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The two biggest gainers in this year’s NHL rankings are in the southeast, as the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers have converted dominant on-ice results into thriving businesses.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In early 2020, a bevy of new hypercars was announced—several promising at least 300 mph.—
Ben Oliver,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
-
But for the millions of people bearing the brunt of housing deficits and the global housing mismatch, this sounds like a promising approach to partially tackling these issues.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An old-timey sign with bold golden letters hangs over the entrance to one of Sacramento’s best spots for affordable fun.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The golden liqueur plays off the spirit like sun off snow, bringing some herbal warmth through the bracing chill.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/successful. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share