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 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 Schools that do not meet gainful employment expectations risk losing access to federal funding. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for gainful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainful

Adjective

But while many comedians go on to have wildly lucrative careers, that doesn’t seem to be Earthquake’s priority — making people laugh is.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026
Taste is the discernment to reject opportunities that look lucrative on paper but conflict with your core identity.

— David Farbman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of lucrative

Adjective

The company is counting on the giant rocket to scale its Starlink, or Connectivity, business, which was its largest and only profitable segment as of the second quarter.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
The system helps improve services and is also profitable for providers, creating a win-win situation both for vendors and consumers.

— Masayuki Oi Japan News, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of profitable

Adjective

Its scope begins with selecting a worthwhile problem and extends through product development, operation, adaptation and retirement.

— Mohammed Cherifi, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Desks and office chairs are also worthwhile finds, especially if your dorm room doesn’t already include them.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of worthwhile

Browse Nearby Words

gainers

gainful

gain ground

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Gainful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainful. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gainful

adjective

Example Sentences

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