Definition of usefulnext
1
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

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 useful The remaining solid material is rich in nutrients and can be used to produce useful material, such as fertilizer. Ahmed Ibrahim Yunus, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026 This means that safely taking multiple products may be useful. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 13 Mar. 2026 Personal recommendations from friends, colleagues or financial professionals can also provide useful insight. Nick Perry, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 If there are oily marks, smudges or water spots on your sensor, this method is particularly useful. Jacob Little, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Uber’s website says service animals must be accommodated in compliance with applicable accessibility laws and the company’s service animal policy, which says there are no exceptions due to allergies, religious objections, or a fear of animals.
    Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Precious-metals dealers help facilitate these purchases, guiding investors through the buying process and, when applicable, assisting with storage, custodial arrangements and regulatory requirements tied to precious metals IRAs.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The government, for example, was alarmed that the mass-surveillance restriction—which prevented the use of Claude to process publicly available bulk data—might prevent the unfettered utilization of LinkedIn for recruitment purposes.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Amodei wanted Claude to be helpful at the most sensitive level.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Ahead, experts explain how soaking anemone and ranunculus corms can significantly improve your gardening results and share helpful tips on how to do it, along with troubleshooting advice.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Using a patient, practical tone keeps everyone focused on useful results.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2026
  • China is accelerating efforts to move humanoid robots beyond demonstrations and into practical, real-world roles.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Like its other locations, the wellness center will include visits with functional medicine doctors, health coaches, nutritionists and massage therapists.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers developed a new approach, the constant inner potential density functional theory, which enables the inclusion of the electrode potential in the simulation of semiconductor electrochemistry.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Apart from search and rescue, these high-endurance drones could prove beneficial for large-scale environmental monitoring and disaster prevention.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Jared Perlo Ornstein told NBC News that Humans First had been incubated by the Center for AI Safety and had received an initial loan that would be paid back after the group raised donations from individuals who cared about fostering safe and beneficial AI.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Scott received her master's in leadership from Belhaven University and has a bachelor's in applied psychology from Christian Brothers University.
    Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The system responded within milliseconds, fast enough to support real-time reactions such as pulling away from harmful contact or reducing applied force during interaction.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The facility’s dish machines were not fully operable.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Smoke alarms should also be checked and operable, the FDNY said.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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