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 Though both may be useful, experts say glycine has the edge for supporting sleep. Sarah Garone, Health, 6 Feb. 2026 This includes destructive cells such as cancerous cells, making oregano oil useful in preventing heart disease, cancer and many other diseases. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 Apptopia’s data also found that one in five AI users now uses multiple apps, suggesting users might be finding different tools useful for various tasks—opening up the possibility of a market where AI companies can carve out a niche. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 In addition to being useful for fencing, chicken wire can also be used to create an effective cage barrier for crops. Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • This is where our downturn resilience framework is applicable.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Below is a running list of restaurants and bars we've been told are open, along with their adjusted hours, if applicable.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Tax-Aide services are available at 224 locations across communities in a majority of Ohio’s counties.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Just $4,000 annually was made available for training, Howell says.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That material is tremendously helpful in building quality soil structure, improving water retention in sandy soils and improving drainage in heavy clay soils.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Your helpful side shines when systems function properly, so give the relationship a clear container and let kindness fill the space between expectations.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The panel concluded the order was both overly broad and impermissibly vague, raising constitutional and practical concerns.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Being Meaningful means meeting functional needs while connecting emotionally.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The wool coat included deep, functional pockets and refined detailing to balance practicality and sculptural elegance in equal measure.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The combination of sports and fashion is therefore expected to have a beneficial ripple effect across different industries.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Flowers attract pollinators, many of whom are beneficial insects that deter other pests.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council, TII unifies disciplines from quantum and AI to autonomous systems and directed energy and secure energy platforms.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • While agriculture has borne much of the brunt of tariff increases, apparel and textiles were the hardest hit among the top 10 manufacturing subsectors, with the average applied tariff rising from just over 5 percent in 2024 to 9 percent in 2025.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • They’re commonly used in modern or mid-century designs and are often paired with operable windows below to balance daylight and ventilation.
    Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Though frozen water lines can occur in older hydrants during cold snaps, most hydrants remain operable, and having a path and a 3-foot ring dug out around them can be a big help for first responders.
    Christopher DeRose, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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