1
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
2
as in silly
lacking in seriousness or maturity
the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of futile
When stress spikes, the idea of taking a deep breath can seem like a futile life hack.
—
Juli Fraga, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
In other words, resistance is futile.
—Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
If anything, Shock and Awe mostly reminds you how futile living in the madness of a Fake News world can be.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
If anything, its attention to the sad textures of teenage life seems to acknowledge that for many young people today, paying attention to their own life might feel futile or too small, given the relentlessness of the news.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Juli Fraga, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
In other words, resistance is futile.
—Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
If anything, Shock and Awe mostly reminds you how futile living in the madness of a Fake News world can be.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2025
If anything, its attention to the sad textures of teenage life seems to acknowledge that for many young people today, paying attention to their own life might feel futile or too small, given the relentlessness of the news.
—Greta Rainbow, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile
Adjective
-
Conservatives like Schlafly, unsuccessful in their early 80’s boycott, had their first taste of activist success on the airwaves.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel attempted to contact Rebholz via email about the school's fundraising goal and money raised but was unsuccessful.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This dance party for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with silly puppets, cheerful songs, and endless smiles!—
Sarah Z. Sleeper,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Sep. 2025
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And why that silly jacket in the middle of June?—
David Wright Faladé,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But having 10 power play opportunities also made the game somewhat useless.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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With her charger useless and the screen showing a dangerously low percentage, the reality sank in.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And Kailey Agpaoa is goofy and funny as Doctor Sister, a self-sacrificing but fierce young woman who has given up her dreams to care of her aging parents while her older sister has a husband and medical career.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
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And so, the film’s spartan spell is undone by snatches of pedestrian drama and goofy, surreal symbolism.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While the film is filled with incredible gay kisses, my personal favorite remains when Ennis and Jack reunite for the first time; there’s nothing giddier than the full-body passion that overtakes you after being reunited with your long-distance true love after months — or years — or longing.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
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Both actors do very well at building their secret courtship, which is at first playful and giddy, and later intense, desperate and even violent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Futile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futile. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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