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 Cozy Earth notes the pillows can also help people with sleep apnea stay off their backs, and Groove points out that long body pillows are especially useful for pregnant sleepers in the third trimester. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 The people currently in charge of creating the rules don’t sit in the driver’s seat, and real-life experience of how the cars feel and behave could be useful as another data point to reference. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Big-hitter names who have useful and important things to contribute resonated, like Björn Ulvaeus from ABBA, who came and spoke about the role of AI and music. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 1 May 2026 And global refineries that turn the oil into useful fuels like gasoline are operating at or near maximum capacity (if they haven’t been destroyed in the war). David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • All my actions, communications or legal responses will adhere strictly to the applicable statutes, regulations and constitutional provisions at both the federal and state levels.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Prosecutorial independence and discretion are limited by State Bar rules, applicable laws and the courts.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Fares are available at Southwest’s ticket counters.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Brain scans were not widely available, and there was scant knowledge of sleep stages such as REM sleep, when more vivid dreams take place.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, the sandals have a thick leather strap that provides a pillowy cushion around the top of the foot, which is helpful for anyone with foot ailments.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • For example, some users reported an AI tool that analyzes the cost of legislation is helpful, while other reported errors with the technology.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 A practical step helps steady everything today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • My experience working with local governments, workers, educators, businesses and community leaders has reinforced the importance of practical solutions that deliver real results.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stylish yet functional, the pants are designed with front pleats, belt loops, and side flap pockets similar to Oprah’s pair.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
  • Recently, scientists found that the sharks keep their eyesight well into senescence, not only quashing some suspicions that the animals were blind but also revealing their vision remains functional in low light for more than a century.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The park said tipsters may remain anonymous, though officials noted that sharing information could be beneficial to National Park Service investigators.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • The messaging has remained constant, and it’s proven beneficial to all parties involved.
    Jaylon Thompson May 7, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Access to capable hardware lowers barriers, speeds iteration, and enables real-world testing beyond simulations, accelerating progress in embodied AI, especially in manipulation and applied robotics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.
    Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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