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 Sodas are non-food, useful only if one is stranded in the desert with no water. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 The aperture ring works with any Canon R camera for video, but is only useful for photography with newer models—so far only the EOS R50 V, R1, R5 Mark II, and R6 Mark III. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026 While useful in the kitchen, the team’s equations go far beyond meal cleanup. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026 If so, these trades can be useful. Vito Emanuel, NPR, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • The Downey Fire Department rescue vehicle that responded was not equipped with a Tremco anti-theft locking device required under state law and applicable Fire Department standards, the family’s attorneys argue.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Under the law applicable to dependent administrations, the home-builder was required to commence a lawsuit in the court of original probate jurisdiction in which the estate was pending within 90 days after the rejection date, or its claim would be barred.
    Virginia Hammerle, Dallas Morning News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The helpful staff won’t steer you wrong.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Beyond the photos, most helpful was a set of Rodriguez’s sketches that Mance and his team discovered in Vanity Fair, which showed both the wedding dress and Carolyn’s rehearsal dinner dress.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Your 2nd house also supports practical purchases, which is a great reminder to make durable, budget-respectful choices over flashy upgrades.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Gas prices are rising again, and many drivers are looking for practical ways to save money at the pump as costs climb.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Achieving and sustaining a safe and functional environment that is welcoming to commerce, investment and individuals has been a challenge.
    Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
  • By combining social features with functional services, Bebuzee is positioning itself as both a content hub and a service infrastructure.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Having a head coach and GM aligned in the fashion that Charles Lee and Jeff Peterson are has also really been beneficial.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Cloves contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, but there isn't that much research on clove water, specifically.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Scott received her master's in leadership from Belhaven University and has a bachelor's in applied psychology from Christian Brothers University.
    Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Mar. 2026
  • 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
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 11 Mar. 2026.

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