FUTILE Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'futile' different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile . While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking. // resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

Q: How do 'fruitless' and 'vain' relate to one another, in the sense of 'futile'?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment. // fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

Q: When could 'vain' be used to replace 'futile'?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result. // a vain attempt to get the car started

futile

adjective

ˈfyü-tᵊl

Definition of futile next

as in unsuccessful

producing no results the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silly

lacking in seriousness or maturity the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word futile different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile. While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking.

resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

How do fruitless and vain relate to one another, in the sense of futile?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment.

fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

When could vain be used to replace futile?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result.

a vain attempt to get the car started

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 futile The latter, a wry comedy of futile endeavor, was based on a story by Kiarostami, but Haghighi soon sought to shake off Kiarostami’s influence—and, even more, a prevailing caricature of Iranian cinema that Kiarostami’s style had given rise to. —

Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 The city — which owns the parking lot — attempted to push back against the immigration crackdown there, but its efforts proved futile as Border Patrol agents showed up again and again to arrest gig drivers. —

Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Harold is known as the last Anglo-Saxon king who strove valiantly against invading threats, but whose efforts were ultimately futile, Wright added. —

Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026 Even with the spotlight, Méndez said the debate feels futile. —

Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for futile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile

Adjective

Life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

— Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026
During the most recent campaign and in a previous unsuccessful run for mayor, Laesch claimed Irvin prioritized government contracts or incentives to those who donated to his campaign, which Irvin consistently denied.

— R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026