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 Young also pushed back against the idea that simulations must deliver perfect predictions to be useful. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026 Such documentation informs the public of ICE activity and has proven to be useful in judicial proceedings. Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 His 253 assists were a career high and led the Nets, a useful marker for how much his offensive game has expanded. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026 The most useful next step is a direct conversation with a spine specialist who can speak to your specific condition. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Customs and Border Protection will manage the online platform and provide electronic refunds in most cases when applicable, according to court filings.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That opinion, written by conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, found religious practices don’t create exemptions from broadly applicable laws.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The pair is available in two lengths to accommodate tall and petite shoppers, and in 10 shades for easy matching.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Sleeves, braces and more available.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sharing a small update or win can open the door to a helpful exchange.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Without this context, stories are more akin to ad copy for a seemingly noble cause than neutral, helpful reporting.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The sporty stripes add personality, while the durable outsole keeps them practical for full days of exploring.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Keep it practical, not perfect.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Palace created little, with a functional midfield failing to break the lines and play balls in behind a defence that was comfortable sitting relatively deep.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Taping doubles as a functional and visual element, and constructions have depth.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The report notes the beneficial aspects of the smaller districts, while noting difficulties.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Explore unlimited options in choosing beautiful and beneficial natives to plant in your garden.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His attorney, Ava Benach, said Vedam hopes to live with a relative in Sacramento and has been offered a spot in Oregon State University’s doctoral program in applied anthropology.
    Mark Scolforo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The combined sensing system allows devices to detect both simple touch and applied pressure, creating a more advanced interaction surface.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • If the federal government enacts the Basic Coordination plan, the bureau will keep scrambling to make emergency decisions to ensure Powell and Mead are operable.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Chances are that those middle four aren’t operable and are either a weird setup on the test unit from a previous shakedown or simply there to throw off the cameras.
    Jerry Perez, The Drive, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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