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 In addition to lifestyle changes, medication may also be useful. Angela Ryan Lee, Health, 4 Oct. 2025 Roman Anthony was arguably the team's second-half MVP, Ceddanne Rafaela is an elite defender in center field, and Wilyer Abreu provides more useful pop in the lineup from the left side while being a superior defender to Duran. Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Gifts Under $10 for Men Men are notoriously hard to shop for, but there are tons of useful gadgets and other thoughtful gifts that aren’t gag gifts, all under $10. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025 Other measures Beyond simple job or payroll count, spending data also can be a useful indirect gauge. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • But the study’s findings may not be applicable to all adults age 65 and older since the researchers focused their efforts in Canada, where patients have access to universal health care.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tickets are $12, plus applicable taxes and fees.
    Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tickets are available for a $20 donation.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Information on what time the stop was made wasn't available Thursday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The police weren’t helpful at all.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The ability to set up AI chatbots that represent a company’s ethos and tone is a game-changer, providing timely, helpful responses to customer queries.
    Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Koolaburra by Ugg Advay Slip-on Boots These suede boots strike that ideal balance between cozy and practical, complete with a fuzzy faux fur cuff that peeks out for just the right amount of flair.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Data are monitored daily by specialists, discussed with surgeons when needed and reviewed weekly with a nurse who provides practical recovery tips.
    Christophe Mouton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • These partnerships aim to turn ChatGPT into a multi-functional platform where users can shop, plan, book, and enjoy entertainment, all without leaving the chat.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Simple, beautiful, functional—this is a cocktail bar set that takes its job seriously if not without a little whimsy.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One review found that saffron treatment was beneficial for sleep duration and quality.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025
  • According to Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, eating with your hands is hygienic (after having washed your hands, of course) and beneficial to your senses and digestion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With a PhD in applied physics from Columbia, Ranade said that in his time as a student, most of his classmates either were in finance or major tech companies like Google or Meta.
    Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • That includes providing students with applied and work-based learning experiences in high school, as well as career exposure and exploration opportunities that begin in age-appropriate ways in middle school.
    Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • According to a report by the US Energy Information Administration, Russia has a total of 36 operable nuclear reactors with a capacity of 27 gigawatts.
    Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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