1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
An independent central bank is a useful scapegoat.
—
Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Greenland’s importance also rested on its deposits of cryolite, useful for making aluminum.
—Steven Lamy, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
This method is particularly useful for reaching corners and tight spaces that vacuums or other cleaning methods might miss.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026
Gafford would be useful to have around as insurance for a Davis deal or if Lively’s injury ends up impacting his career.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Greenland’s importance also rested on its deposits of cryolite, useful for making aluminum.
—Steven Lamy, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
This method is particularly useful for reaching corners and tight spaces that vacuums or other cleaning methods might miss.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026
Gafford would be useful to have around as insurance for a Davis deal or if Lively’s injury ends up impacting his career.
—Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 13 Jan. 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
-
Flight inventory is usually available, but prices spike close to departure.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
When more people want to live somewhere than there are homes available, prices go up.—
J.D. Hayworth,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
If your spouse refuses to have detailed discussions about money, knowing this is a helpful insight in deciding how to proceed.—
Heather L. Locus,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Here’s a helpful primer about what hormones do, how your body regulates them, and tips for supporting your hormone health in ways that actually work.—
Rachel Reiff Ellis,
SELF,
23 Jan. 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
-
This ability to move quickly is hugely beneficial to founders.—
Alison Coleman,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
This amino acid is also incredibly beneficial for immune support, among other important functions in the body.—
Kristine Thomason,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
On that note, PESCO-UP is led by VTT, the largest research and technology company and research center in Finland, conducting applied research.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Then, Miller placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure, causing the woman to experience difficulty breathing, a court document states.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
5 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
Cite this Entry
“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
