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

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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 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 Or workers could simply have given up on Martinsville and moved elsewhere in search of gainful employment. — Gordon H. Hanson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021 See All Example Sentences for gainful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainful

Adjective

Molly Mae Hague was a contestant on Love Island UK in 2019, signing some of the most lucrative deals in the TV show’s history across the fashion and beauty industry.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 July 2026
For those with larger, five-figure amounts such as $50,000, for example, a temporary switch in their approach could be particularly lucrative.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of lucrative

Adjective

The question now for parent company Comcast is whether the streaming service can remain profitable amid an ever-changing sports broadcasting landscape.

— Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Instead, unions will have to build the case that corporate investments in pro-worker AI can benefit both labor and management, making the former more productive and the latter more profitable.

— Daron Acemoglu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Definition of profitable

Adjective

Embracing jazz mysticism and trip-hop rhythms, the singer-songwriter takes some worthwhile risks on her arresting new album.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026
Below, Forbes Communications Council members share the special projects their teams are tackling this summer and why these initiatives are worthwhile investments.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gainful

adjective

Example Sentences

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