successful

adjective

suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce successful (audio)
Synonyms of successful
1
: resulting or terminating in success
a successful attempt
2
: gaining or having gained success
a successful investor
successfully
sək-ˈses-fə-lē How to pronounce successful (audio)
adverb
successfulness noun

Synonyms of successful

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Examples of successful in a Sentence

the play had a successful run on Broadway sold their successful dry-cleaning business and retired to Hawaii
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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.
This expansion follows successful product launches and previous marketing efforts. — John Archer, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026 If successful, the experimental medication could be a breakthrough therapeutic for people with the common but debilitating condition. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 For the United States, a successful Australian submarine industry could strengthen allied capacity in a strategically important region. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 Bump had a very successful first pro season and quickly became a regular for the Flyers. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for successful

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of successful was in 1594

Rhymes for successful

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Browse Nearby Words

success
successful
succession
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Cite this Entry

“Successful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/successful. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

successful

adjective
suc·​cess·​ful sək-ˈses-fəl How to pronounce successful (audio)
1
: resulting or ending in success
2
: gaining or having gained success
successfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce successful (audio)
adverb
successfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on successful

Nglish: Translation of successful for Spanish Speakers

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