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 Broad claims about growth are less useful without numbers, context, and a clear explanation of what changed. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 2026 For a team that scored just seven runs in the final five games of a 3-6 home stand, the contrast in opponents will serve as a useful measuring stick. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 This kind of tool is particularly useful in an era when brands are being asked to produce more content across more surfaces, whilst maintaining consistency and control. Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 The content in those lessons is as accurate and useful as ever. Jill Duffy, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • However, even Nvidia’s Huang has said Moore’s Law is no longer applicable to future chip development.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 May 2026
  • Funniest moment of the season Not applicable!
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Going tomorrow, everyone’s available.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Catcher Logan O’Hoppe didn’t challenge, even though the Angels had both of their challenges available.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, relations with those who are closest to you are warm and helpful.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Severe Pruning Pruning tomato plants can be helpful in promoting air flow and fruit production, but removing too many leaves at one time can cause the plant to protect its remaining leaves by curling them in response.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • This Vionic version feels polished enough for the office or dinner reservations, but still practical for airport days thanks to the easy slip-on design and stretchy strap.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • The team is currently collaborating with various organizations to transition this technology into practical, real-world deployment.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Best Amazon Memorial Day Fashion Sales Amazon’s fashion department is packed with deals on airy clothes, supportive shoes, and cute and functional accessories.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
  • In an environment where people are being asked to rely on AI outputs, follow decisions shaped by algorithms and work in systems where accountability is less visible, these qualities are functional requirements.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Season One of Off Campus centers hockey captain Garret Graham (Belmont Cameli) and music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright), who start a mutually beneficial fake-dating scheme that is quickly complicated by their growing feelings for each other.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
  • Ensuring that any change offered is clearly beneficial from the passenger's perspective.
    Juan Pablo Lafosse, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • After finishing her schooling at Exarch Joseph I in Lovech, Karabash earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Veliko Tarnovo in applied linguistics with English and French.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design.
    Lola W. Brabham, New York Daily News, 6 May 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 30 May. 2026.

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