success

noun

sək-ˈses How to pronounce success (audio)
Definition of successnext
1
as in achievement
a successful result brought about by hard work a long list of successes that the retiring president of the college can point to with pride

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hit
a person or thing that is successful their homemade jellies have been such a success that they are now distributed nationwide

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 success Despite mathematical models to the contrary, in practice, no controller is less incentivized for success merely because their economic ownership fell from 51% to 45%. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026 An early career launched without shortcuts, with small roles in TV series and B movies until his major success as the star of the series ER, formed an actor who is able to inhabit the screen with disarming spontaneity. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026 In a 2025 paper, Alikani and her colleague outlined how standardizing automation technologies across laboratories and clinics could improve IVF success rates. — Edna Bonhomme, Scientific American, 6 July 2026 Strong internal relationships, institutional credibility, leadership opportunities, and career growth often come more easily inside organizations where people know your value and are invested in your success. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for success
Recent Examples of Synonyms for success
  1. achievement
  2. hit
  3. accomplishment
  4. blockbuster
  5. winner
  6. phenomenon
Noun
  • The Oscar-winning actor will receive the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award at the 83rd annual Venice Film Festival.
    — Hanna Rantala, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • That’s a major achievement for the local industry, which has been held back by limited distribution channels, fragmented networks, and a lack of market-ready skills.
    — Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of achievement
Noun
  • Lastly, Salinas had an active warrant against him filed in May for fleeing from police after a hit and run.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • In all, Barnes gave up seven runs and 12 hits, including three home runs.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of hit
Noun
  • But even after a lifetime of effort to push this country forward, his story, vision and accomplishments are still just being acknowledged.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Due to the difficulty of the greens, that feels like a major accomplishment.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Noun
  • Seth Rollins issued a direct challenge to Roman Reigns, who, accompanied by Jacob Fatu, ultimately accepted a blockbuster match.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • On Tuesday, Lisa Nandy, Britain’s secretary of state for culture, media and sport, notified Parliament that she was inclined to intervene in the blockbuster deal.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of blockbuster
Noun
  • Tune in to the next episode to see if the winner will extend the streak or go home.
    — USA TODAY Staff, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • But while this drama unfolds, the real winners of the World Cup so far are the prediction markets.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of winner
Noun
  • Obviously, there are rooftoppers that hail from all over the planet, so perhaps young generations with nothing left to lose are a universal phenomenon nowadays.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 July 2026
  • Either dark energy is a real phenomenon, causing the universe to grow bigger at a faster and faster rate, or there is no dark energy at all, and scientists have somehow misunderstood the laws of gravity at cosmic scales.
    — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 July 2026
Definition of phenomenon

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succeeds
success
successes
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Cite this Entry

“Success.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/success. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on success

Nglish: Translation of success for Spanish Speakers

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