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 Pisces February 19 – March 20 Making sure your purchases reflect what matters most could be a useful exercise now. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 Australian miners found young girls particularly useful in maneuvering through the tight mining shafts. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 Feb. 2026 The new arrangement, which is being undertaken with tokenization firm Securitize, is a significant milestone for the DeFi sector, which many view as one of the most useful applications in crypto. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026 Sociologists routinely use computational methods, statistical analysis, interviews, archives and ethnography in their search for useful data. Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Information should be for the student, and, if applicable, their parent(s).
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • To claim a single-payment cash option, a winner has within the first 60 days after the applicable draw date to claim it.
    Jennifer Sangalang, Florida Times-Union, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Armchair analysis fills the space that is created by the absence of available facts.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The model is only available to paying subscribers but will be available to the public soon, Kuaishou said.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Although the paint job catches the eye, the new stands, which cost about $87,000 each, have several features that will be helpful to lifeguards and beachgoers.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Calling it connects directly to scammers trained to sound calm, helpful and urgent at the same time.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The specifications Issac 0 is a compact, stationary home robot designed for practical integration into the home.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Finally, a justice has to bring practical judgment to balancing competing interests when the legal text does not settle an issue, or the court acts as the leader for the entire state judiciary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The wide-leg pants are high-waisted with functional side pockets and an above-the-ankle crop, making this a flattering option for petite shoppers.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The company has chronicled its journey from initial strategy meetings to the deployment of fully functional robots in some of the most labor-intensive industrial environments.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 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
  • The system responded within milliseconds, fast enough to support real-time reactions such as pulling away from harmful contact or reducing applied force during interaction.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Finite Element Analysis software is then used to calculate the torsional stiffness of different variants with or without a roof, which allows the engineers to see what parts of the structure are working hardest to resist applied torsion and are in need or reinforcement.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Smoke alarms should also be checked and operable, the FDNY said.
    Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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