Another Word for Successful: 13 Synonyms with Examples
“Successful” means achieving what was intended, or having fame, wealth or status. The right synonym depends on which kind of success you mean.
As an adjective: achieving the desired result
- effective
- productive
- fruitful
- triumphant
- victorious
- effectual
As an adjective: having achieved wealth, status or popularity
- prosperous
- thriving
- flourishing
- booming
- profitable
- high-flying
- acclaimed
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- effective
- Focuses on whether something worked, not on rewards.
- fruitful
- Producing good results, often of talks or meetings.
- triumphant
- Successful in a celebratory way, after a struggle.
- prosperous
- Wealthy and doing well, usually of people, towns or businesses.
- thriving
- Growing and doing well, full of energy.
Example sentences
- effective: The new reminders were effective at reducing missed appointments.
- fruitful: We had a fruitful discussion with the suppliers.
- triumphant: The team returned home triumphant.
- prosperous: The port grew into a prosperous trading town.
- thriving: The village now has a thriving arts scene.
Opposite of successful
- unsuccessful
- failed
- unprofitable
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “successful”?
The most useful alternatives are “effective”, “productive”, “fruitful”, “triumphant”, “victorious”. For the main sense (achieving the desired result), “effective” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “effective” and “fruitful”?
effective: Focuses on whether something worked, not on rewards. fruitful: Producing good results, often of talks or meetings.
What is the opposite of “successful”?
Common antonyms are “unsuccessful”, “failed”, “unprofitable”.