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 For those interested in comparing options, this story about the differences between Great Falls, Whitewater Center could prove useful. Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026 An invisible line that runs through eight countries and three continents could be useful for spycraft. Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026 August 23 – September 22 When tension meets humility, useful improvements appear. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2026 Larry also thought that teaching his son how to fly might engender a sense of responsibility — a useful lesson for a kid who had few of the disadvantages Larry believed had been critical to his success. Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • China has pushed for a broadly applicable minimum price.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • While fast charging is already challenging at room temperature, low temperatures exacerbate kinetic limitations, triggering lithium plating on graphite anodes and sharply reducing available capacity.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • In the same time frame, the number of homes that are valued at $500,000 went from 5% to 25% of the city’s housing stock — making up a quarter of what’s available in Olathe.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • However, bottom watering may be especially helpful when trying to fully rehydrate very dry potting soil.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026
  • ChatGPT may be a helpful tool to answer questions about complex subjects, but users should verify the accuracy of that information before submitting it to the California labor board.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cameron Diaz’s clever accessory is a closet staple — check out even more practical belt bags to shop at Amazon below.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The brand makes outerwear that’s luxuriously stylish, but practical, too.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the founders, the goal was not to create a flashy robotic spectacle but a functional tool that integrates seamlessly into hospitality operations.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • State audits in 2025 of PG&E substations in the Bay Area that found problems including missing fire extinguishers, oil leaks, non-functional cooling fans, loose wires, holes where bolts should be, and birds nesting in electrical equipment.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This, in turn, causes inadequate air supply to root systems and loss of beneficial microorganisms.
    Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The researchers concluded that developing and using more products derived from monk fruit may be beneficial to health.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On that note, PESCO-UP is led by VTT, the largest research and technology company and research center in Finland, conducting applied research.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Then, Miller placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure, causing the woman to experience difficulty breathing, a court document states.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The New York City Fire Department has issued dozens of violations against seven PureGym locations for failing to meet the standard that the exit doors of its pods used to access the gym must remain operable without the use of an electronic device.
    Katherine Moynihan, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The two-door refrigerator under a burner was not operable.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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