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 Ingredient provenance is now traceable back to the farm, useful for food safety and for storytelling. Peter High, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Metamaterials are engineered materials whose useful behavior comes not just from what they are made of, but from how they are shaped at small scales. New Atlas, 19 June 2026 The most practically useful thing would be for the Republicans to try to break the Democratic supermajority in the California Legislature. Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 June 2026 This approach is likely to be useful, but for those who crave real understanding of how the genome, and ultimately life itself, works, a computational black box will never suffice. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Erie Mayor Andrew Moore said the executive sessions followed all applicable laws and that nothing improper had been brought to the town's attention.
    Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Cohen said Humble Robotics is working to make cabless vehicles applicable to public roads, particularly those surrounding the busy ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, in the latest year available, 2024, with tighter restrictions than in the past, one animal was shot by an officer.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • The cause and manner of death for Moore, 39, were not immediately available.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of forget, the whole glutemaxxing trend can be helpful in reminding you to get off your butt and, well, on your butt to use your glutes.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Seven days a week at Collister, the two homes where the weeds once were are a helpful reminder.
    Mark Dee June 19, Idaho Statesman, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
  • As a practical example, the Knicks would love to bring Shamet back to the team next season.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Corneliani updated its sartorial proposition via functional details befitting a very dapper explorer.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
  • The previous phases decompress, mobilize and activate individual areas; this one integrates all of those aspects into coordinated, whole-body functional movement.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Medical professionals who specialize in addiction medicine say research that provides a clear understanding of kratom is beneficial.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • But in the garden, chervil is a powerhouse plant that can deter slugs and snails, while attracting beneficial bugs like hoverflies and ladybugs.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Early days An engineer by background, Shotwell graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in applied mathematics.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 16 June 2026
  • The 20th-century playbook The campaign that beat the screwworm the first time is widely regarded as a major achievement in applied biology.
    Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Just keeping these buildings operable is expensive, and the district struggles to meet even immediate building needs because capacity gets crowded out by legacy debt payments and operational revenue shortfalls.
    Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
  • The department is also advancing plans for the South Delta Gates project, which would replace the temporary rock barriers with permanent operable gates.
    Reeti Malhotra June 5, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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