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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And Trump’s government has waged a largely successful onslaught against the budding electric vehicle market in the US. — Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 The house said its Geneva sale was the most successful watch auction ever held, while its New York and Hong Kong watch auctions also set regional records. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 July 2026 The most successful reverse mentoring relationships begin with trust and curiosity. — Terri Eagle, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 For Williams, Como is viewed as having negative aspects, but the neighborhood is a family, with people who have brought about positive change and youth who have become successful. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 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 8 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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