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 Samuel learning how to hold his breath underwater has been useful, even during bath time. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026 So the real risk may be cutting the people who know how to make AI useful in the first place. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 These lightweight Sampeel palazzo trousers are especially useful for summer trips where the weather changes by the hour. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2026 Quarles told Newsweek that thermal offerings are a useful proxy for quality. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 May 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
  • There’s the three-night stay that's available from Monday afternoon to Thursday morning and the four-night stay from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • The pants are available in 15 colors, including darkwash, lightwash, and white denim styles, plus bright colors like pink and yellow, with three options currently marked down to $30 or less.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of shoppers gave them a five-star rating, with many praising their helpful arch support.
    Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
  • One of the easiest ways to be helpful without overstepping is to check in about small but important logistics.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 22 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

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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