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 Defenses that would undoubtedly have come in useful when Ukrainian troops launched a surprise invasion there last August. Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 All fir trees are useful to birds, and some are available in dwarf form for smaller gardens. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025 The front cover screen isn't as big or useful as Motorola's Razr 2025, but Samsung offers a longer software update policy and has better cameras. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 10 July 2025 These are much more useful for decks and outdoor cleaning, because their strength and efficiency can actually lead to interior damage. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Educate employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment under applicable federal and state laws.
    Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That law remains applicable to those sentenced under it.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pink Floyd Claims 10% of the Chart The band fills four spaces on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart this frame, claiming 10% of all available real estate.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Anthropic said many of these integrations are available on Tuesday, with more to come.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The former are helpful metrics to summarize on an Activities List in their college applications, while the latter can serve as inspiration for their personal and supplemental essays.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Ask students what information the map is giving them and for whom that information is helpful.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • To bridge this growing gap, companies are turning to Artificial Intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The Quince Leather Jewelry Box checks all the boxes of the perfect jewelry organizer: spacious, practical, and stylish.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Scholten has already built three functional proof-of-concept prototypes, two of which utilized ZF75/7 electric drivetrains made by Zero Motorcycles, and one of which sported an Aprilia RSV 1000R combustion engine.
    Ben Coxworth July 11, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • Defaulting to static reporting lines and functional silos can hinder collaboration and innovation, whereas teams built around the issue at hand draws from the full breadth of your organization’s talent.
    Aniela Unguresan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Whey protein contains branched-chain amino acids, which are beneficial for muscle growth and recovery.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 July 2025
  • Peanut butter, in moderation, is a great source of protein and healthy fats like vitamins B and E, which can be beneficial for your dog’s muscles, skin, coat and eyes.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.
    ByTheodore Krantz Jr, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.
    Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The United States could continue to insist that Iran’s nuclear program was completely destroyed and is no longer operable.
    Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, China currently has 58 operable reactors with a total capacity of 60 GW.
    Jude Clemente, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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