1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in available
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose
I've found this tool really useful for making sure all my pictures are hung straight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in helpful
providing service or assistance
hopefully, the consultant's financial advice will prove useful in planning for our retirement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of useful
Cozy Earth notes the pillows can also help people with sleep apnea stay off their backs, and Groove points out that long body pillows are especially useful for pregnant sleepers in the third trimester.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
The people currently in charge of creating the rules don’t sit in the driver’s seat, and real-life experience of how the cars feel and behave could be useful as another data point to reference.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Big-hitter names who have useful and important things to contribute resonated, like Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA, who came and spoke about the role of AI and music.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 1 May 2026
And global refineries that turn the oil into useful fuels like gasoline are operating at or near maximum capacity (if they haven’t been destroyed in the war).
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
The people currently in charge of creating the rules don’t sit in the driver’s seat, and real-life experience of how the cars feel and behave could be useful as another data point to reference.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Big-hitter names who have useful and important things to contribute resonated, like Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA, who came and spoke about the role of AI and music.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 1 May 2026
And global refineries that turn the oil into useful fuels like gasoline are operating at or near maximum capacity (if they haven’t been destroyed in the war).
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
-
All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.—
Ashley Portillo,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But again, this is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fares are available at Southwest’s ticket counters.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Brain scans were not widely available, and there was scant knowledge of sleep stages such as REM sleep, when more vivid dreams take place.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Plus, the sandals have a thick leather strap that provides a pillowy cushion around the top of the foot, which is helpful for anyone with foot ailments.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
-
For example, some users reported an AI tool that analyzes the cost of legislation is helpful, while other reported errors with the technology.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon steadies Jupiter’s influence, helping practical decisions create emotional ease.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rather than scaling back on care, many pet owners are shifting to preventive habits, multi-functional products, and practical home adjustments to help households stay ahead of potential issues while keeping costs predictable.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
These standards are not only more functional, but reduce the night sky glow, are more energy efficient, reduce wildlife impacts and contribute to better health.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The video titles, descriptions and opening sequences often give the illusion that the content is educational and beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers.—
Dana Suskind,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Basil and tomatoes share a mutually beneficial relationship.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
-
His attorney, Ava Benach, said Vedam hopes to live with a relative in Sacramento and has been offered a spot in Oregon State University’s doctoral program in applied anthropology.—
Mark Scolforo,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The battle damage estimate is now put at 60% of missile launchers, but it is acknowledged that in some cases these can be dug out and made operable.—
Ian Pannell,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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