GAINFUL Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

gainful

adjective

ˈgān-fəl

Definition of gainful

as in lucrative

yielding a profit graduated from school and went looking for gainful employment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 gainful But in a bleak youth job market, there’s a growing recognition that crossing the graduation stage is not always enough to put young people on a path to gainful employment. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 The goal is to prepare these students for their future jobs by developing the skills needed to find gainful employment. — Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 28 Dec. 2025 Where do alien nerds find gainful employ? — Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 2025 At her age, being prickly was neither enchanting nor gainful. — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gainful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainful

Adjective

Arthur Greenberg helped transform the Los Angeles legal and civic landscape by channeling the success and resources built through his highly lucrative career as a top-tier attorney.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026
However, restrictions have begun to loosen over the last decade, and some players have been allowed to compete abroad or join lucrative leagues.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of lucrative

Adjective

For many young movers, the high cost of living is a worthwhile premium.

— Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
A day visit to Uluwatu is worthwhile as well, for even more world-class meals plus postcard beaches, surf lessons, yoga classes, shopping and spa circuits.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of worthwhile

Browse Nearby Words

gainers

gainful

gain ground

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“Gainful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainful. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gainful

adjective

Example Sentences

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