Synonym Chooser

How is the word fertile distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fertile are fecund, fruitful, and prolific. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," 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

Where would fecund be a reasonable alternative to fertile?

While the synonyms fecund and fertile are close in meaning, fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

a fecund herd

How is fruitful related to other words for fertile?

Fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

fruitful research

In what contexts can prolific take the place of fertile?

Although the words prolific and fertile have much in common, prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.

a prolific writer

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 fertile The pull to share The internet has created fertile ground for spreading fake health information. Angshuman K. Kashyap, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 This provided fertile ground for Simion, who has continued to court the MAGA world. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 Give it fertile, moist soil, well drained, and part sun. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 May 2025 Trump and his entourage remain fertile ground for the industry. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fertile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fertile
Adjective
  • Kaplan is a journalist, former editor-in-chief of the Sunday newspaper supplement Parade magazine, and a prolific author.
    Aliza Knox, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Skylight, for example, builds on Bluesky’s recent support for vertical video feeds to offer a spying-free TikTok alternative; billionaire investor Mark Cuban, one of Bluesky’s more prolific posters, has since funded a pre-seed round for the app.
    Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Non-physician educational experiences differ widely by program, geography and clinical focus, leading to a workforce rich in potential but fragmented in preparation.
    Jesse Corn, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The texture of the shampoo was rich, coated the hair well, and imparted a like-new shine — thanks to the product’s rich ingredients of coconut oil, silk proteins, shea butter, and neem oil.
    Kayla Blanton, People.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fertile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fertile. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fertile

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