1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of useful
Traditional cannabis and hemp cultivation remains a costly, resource-intensive process, and most cultivars express only a narrow slice of commercially useful compounds at meaningful levels.
—
Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
The approach is useful against modern drone threats, especially small surveillance drones that are difficult and expensive to engage with traditional missiles.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
The more useful lesson is counterintuitive.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026
Experts say the directive could expedite studies on how psychedelic and hallucinatory drugs such as MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and ibogaine may be useful in medicine.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
The approach is useful against modern drone threats, especially small surveillance drones that are difficult and expensive to engage with traditional missiles.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
The more useful lesson is counterintuitive.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2026
Experts say the directive could expedite studies on how psychedelic and hallucinatory drugs such as MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and ibogaine may be useful in medicine.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
-
In the event of a tie, an additional tie-breaking judge will determine the applicable finalist(s) based on the criteria set forth above.—
Tim McGovern,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
The harvester must have paid all applicable fees to the DNR or PRFC to harvest oysters between October 2025 and April 2026.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Accessibility There are accessible rooms available, but getting to all parts of the resort and the beach might be difficult for wheelchair users and others who would have trouble with uneven terrain.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Rather than wasting precious vacation time ironing everything in your suitcase, do yourself a favor and check out the savings available on wrinkle-free travel clothes ahead of your next trip.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Things feel breezy, but that doesn’t mean staff aren’t helpful or at the ready.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Curated by Our Editors Still, most experts agree that chatbots can be helpful to people seeking medical information, if used cautiously.—
Cody Cottier,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
There are few shoes as polished and practical as timeless loafers — something Meghan Markle knows well.—
Aaron Royce,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
These 100-percent linen pants have practical front panel pockets for holding small essentials, and shoppers praised the tapered design and ankle-length cut that work well on petite frames.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
The tiered design is complemented by a functional front button placket for easy customization, and the billowy sleeves add movement.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
-
Everything looks functional on the surface.—
Lien De Pau,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Another critic blasted Moore and other AI defenders for treating the technology as unavoidable rather than beneficial.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
Marigolds, sunflowers, and borage boost pollination, repel aphids, and attract beneficial insects.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design.—
Lola W. Brabham,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
Fall spent nearly four years as vice president for applied sciences at technology research nonprofit MITRE.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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