useful

adjective

ˈyüs-fəl How to pronounce useful (audio)
Definition of usefulnext
1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat

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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

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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 Separating the useful outputs from straight-up slop means choosing the right tool. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 The one useful nugget revealed in its sinister pages this time is the existence of an ancient dagger that is the sole means of killing a deadite for good. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 This would have set a useful precedent for all copyright-holders whose works have been used for AI training without their consent. — Zoey Forbes, The Dial, 7 July 2026 The Cape Verde scare, then, might have served as a useful wakeup call. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
  1. applicable
  2. available
  3. helpful
  4. practical
  5. functional
  6. beneficial
  7. applied
  8. operable
Adjective
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.
    — Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • However, once gasoline became available, some neighbors began running generators 24 hours a day.
    — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 July 2026
Definition of available
Adjective
  • An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The cropped length is especially helpful for petite travelers who’d rather spend vacation exploring than searching for a tailor.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of helpful
Adjective
  • What Enterprises Should Do Now For a technology buyer, the practical move is to treat the agent gateway as a diligence checklist rather than a purchase.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • As a perpetually on-the-go woman, my chic mom is rotating through a range of practical styles this season.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of practical
Adjective
  • For all its functional details, like the four protective feet at the base, a spacious interior, and multifunctional pockets, there are fun ones to match.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Bonus elements from mail slots to charging stations can keep your mudroom living extra functional.
    — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
Definition of functional
Adjective
  • That would be beneficial for creating interest ahead of any potential loan move, which may happen later in the window.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Why might recreational soccer be particularly beneficial for middle-aged adults?
    — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of beneficial
Adjective
  • The state’s goal is to make applied teaching and learning more rigorous, interactive and relevant across the high school experience.
    — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • The project is part of Habitat for Humanity's broader effort to expand affordable homeownership opportunities across the metro area while giving students hands-on experience in construction and applied math.
    — Justin Adams, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of applied
Adjective
  • Such technology can create pictures that look appealing but that actually involve nonsensical flourishes that, for example, are impossible to construct into operable sets or develop into wearable costumes.
    — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
  • Youths in custody have access to drinking fountains and operable sinks in their rooms, Waters said.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of operable

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used up
useful
usefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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