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 drivers’ helmet camera footage provided by the Formula One Media & Broadcast Center proved useful. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026 Eskenazi says studies that investigate groups, such as pregnant women and fetuses, who may be most vulnerable to glyphosate exposure and research into whether glyphosate might affect human fertility and reproduction would be particularly useful. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2026 Complementary Therapies Complementary therapies may be useful for managing fatigue alongside medical treatment. Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026 That information could be useful for insider trading. ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Tickets are $35 plus applicable fees.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • These characteristics make the technology applicable to many use cases.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthropic has been most focused on applying its technology to cybersecurity and has been one of the only advanced AI models available for use in classified operations.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The next puzzle will be available at midnight in your time zone.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To appreciate the term limit power play now being pursued by county Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, a little background is helpful.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Lavishing the scalp with extra TLC can be helpful too; after all, your hair grows from your scalp, and creating a healthy environment for follicles can encourage regrowth.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Answers tend to range from the familiar and practical (teacher or nurse), to the aspirational (astronaut or pro athlete), to the fanciful (superhero).
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Your 10th House of Bold Moves gains focus as the intuitive Moon enters, ensuring your practical mind spots the next improvement that makes work run smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Buffers for Better Management To stay functional during times of uncertainty, many households try to keep some breathing room in their finances.
    Karen “KH” Koehler February 23, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The duo, longtime partners of the brand, delivered a refined yet functional space hinged on clean lines and the juxtaposition of dense textures and lightweight elements.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Soluble fiber is effective for lowering cholesterol, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, and keeping stools soft and easy to pass.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Feb. 2026
  • While many insects are beneficial for your garden, others can wreak havoc on your plants.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Finite Element Analysis software is then used to calculate the torsional stiffness of different variants with or without a roof, which allows the engineers to see what parts of the structure are working hardest to resist applied torsion and are in need or reinforcement.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Smoke alarms should also be checked and operable, the FDNY said.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • They’re commonly used in modern or mid-century designs and are often paired with operable windows below to balance daylight and ventilation.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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