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

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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 one place that tariffs might be useful would be to extend the carbon tax to incoming goods, so that foreign polluters would not have an incentive to pollute heavily (for instance, steel smelted with coal power). Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 The technology could prove particularly useful in industries where direct testing is difficult or unsafe. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 The company said the solution is especially useful for high‑mix operations facing labor shortages, with automation capable of replacing up to 10 operators per shift. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 The plants would be particularly useful for meeting peak demand in the winter months, when solar and batteries are not as effective. Angela Palermo may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • All my actions, communications or legal responses will adhere strictly to the applicable statutes, regulations and constitutional provisions at both the federal and state levels.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Prosecutorial independence and discretion are limited by State Bar rules, applicable laws and the courts.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • With the additions of Vanloo and New York native Aubrey Griffin, DeMarco had only nine players available.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • The non-profit pays its founder and CEO, Leah Binder, $669,000 that year, the most recent for which public records are available.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon in Aquarius moves through your 6th House and trines Venus in Gemini, making routines and helpful exchanges flow smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • While apps can sometimes be helpful for identifying very basic issues, many fail to accurately diagnose complex pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.
    Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 A practical step helps steady everything today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • My experience working with local governments, workers, educators, businesses and community leaders has reinforced the importance of practical solutions that deliver real results.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stylish yet functional, the pants are designed with front pleats, belt loops, and side flap pockets similar to Oprah’s pair.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
  • Recently, scientists found that the sharks keep their eyesight well into senescence, not only quashing some suspicions that the animals were blind but also revealing their vision remains functional in low light for more than a century.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The park said tipsters may remain anonymous, though officials noted that sharing information could be beneficial to National Park Service investigators.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • The messaging has remained constant, and it’s proven beneficial to all parties involved.
    Jaylon Thompson May 7, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Access to capable hardware lowers barriers, speeds iteration, and enables real-world testing beyond simulations, accelerating progress in embodied AI, especially in manipulation and applied robotics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 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 11 May. 2026.

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