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 Additionally, transparent conversion practices across multiple countries and currencies can be useful for users who plan to make frequent payments. Jason Phillips, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026 Wood ash contains many nutrients that are useful for fertilizing plants, especially calcium, potassium (potash), magnesium, and phosphorus. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026 The single sock that’s been left behind can find a second life being repurposed into something useful. Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026 March 21 – April 19 Play makes your courage feel useful today. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • With over 35,000 monthly active users, the platform is designed to allow users to explore different ways of using their digital rewards, depending on availability and applicable guidelines.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Brandon Cwalina, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which runs Medicaid in the state, said the state already requires every Medicaid applicant to verify their citizenship or, where applicable, their eligible immigration status.
    Kff Health News, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The ecommerce giant is also expected to make its clothing lines available in five Galeries Lafayette malls, which like BHV is owned by the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) group in the cities of Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Angers, and Limoges, though the dates are not set.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
  • With most products available online, often at lower prices, department stores must offer some real value to the brick-and-mortar shopper.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Comfy, cozy quilts are equally helpful for both hot and cold sleepers.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025
  • DeZao says one of AI’s most helpful features is its ability to receive instructions and do its work while the human employee can remain focused on the task at hand.
    Rachel Curry, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
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
  • It is also expected to be especially beneficial for less experienced boaters who may need additional support at the helm.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Working with clay can be a relaxing experience and provide a beneficial creative outlet for both children and adults.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The 2025 Nobel Prize for physics recognizes original investigations in the intersection of basic and applied sciences.
    Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Moving beyond the theory of the market, those skilled in applied finance understand how to make practical decisions in financial spaces.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s also greater enforcement of encampment and parking rules; the vehicles need to be operable, have up-to-date registration and move every 72 hours.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Under local law, even inoperable or replica weapons are considered potentially operable if they can be modified to fire, placing them under the same strict legal framework.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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