1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose
I've found this tool really useful for making sure all my pictures are hung straight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in helpful
providing service or assistance
hopefully, the consultant's financial advice will prove useful in planning for our retirement
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 useful
This financial flexibility can be particularly useful for Social Security recipients facing ongoing or unpredictable expenses.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The companies are doing lots of useful things.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
For shoppers weighing the purchase, the current research offers a useful frame.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
And that was something that was useful to try and click into.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The companies are doing lots of useful things.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
For shoppers weighing the purchase, the current research offers a useful frame.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
And that was something that was useful to try and click into.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
-
Whether compensation is available, though, will depend on the circumstances, the parties involved and applicable state laws.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Jurors unanimously concluded Musk’s claims were filed too late and fell outside the applicable statute of limitations.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
The series will be available across mobile devices, connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, JioTV and Airtel Xstream.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Showing conclusively that any given meteoroid comes from interstellar space is a notoriously difficult task, but having more cameras on the sky to boost the odds for good trajectory and velocity measurements would be extremely helpful.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
-
The helpful fan kept the poster owner, and the Facebook group, up to speed.—
Heidi Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Your creativity is flowing and needs a practical outlet during the Cancer moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
This approach also created a practical niche beneath the staircase, providing a convenient place for books, phones, watches, and other personal items while adding a sense of home to the journey.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
That said, bodyweight training is still an effective, accessible way to build muscle, improve joint stability, and maintain functional strength after 50.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
15 June 2026
-
Rodgers, who brings more than 20 years of strong cross-functional leadership experience, will be responsible for Kohl’s enterprise operations, including its nearly 1,200 stores, global supply chain and distribution centers, procurement and loss prevention.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Medical professionals who specialize in addiction medicine say research that provides a clear understanding of kratom is beneficial.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
But in the garden, chervil is a powerhouse plant that can deter slugs and snails, while attracting beneficial bugs like hoverflies and ladybugs.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
The latter is key to a Choisne design that recently joined the permanent collection at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum—the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
-
Brenda McAleer, dean of the College of Professional Studies at the University of Maine at Augusta — which is preparing to offer a bachelor’s of applied public administration — said the degrees were designed for adults who already have some work experience or have taken some college courses.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Just keeping these buildings operable is expensive, and the district struggles to meet even immediate building needs because capacity gets crowded out by legacy debt payments and operational revenue shortfalls.—
Joe Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
-
The department is also advancing plans for the South Delta Gates project, which would replace the temporary rock barriers with permanent operable gates.—
Reeti Malhotra
June 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
