beneficial

adjective

ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
Synonyms of beneficial
1
: producing good results or helpful effects : conferring benefits (see benefit entry 1 sense 1)
the beneficial effects of regular exercise
insects that are beneficial to your garden
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit
a beneficial owner of securities
a beneficial interest in an estate
beneficially adverb
beneficialness noun

Examples of beneficial in a Sentence

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to many people. Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects. They have a relationship that is beneficial to both of them. Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As far as a rehab assignment goes, Crochet’s original preference was to jump right back into the rotation without pitching in the minors, but acknowledged he’s missed enough time where a rehab start might be beneficial. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 May 2026 Anaerobutyricum hallii — previously known as Eubacterium hallii — is another butyrate producer that acts as a cross-feeder, generating compounds that nourish other beneficial bacteria in the gut. Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Addae is developing zinc oxide sunscreens that don’t leave as much of a white pallor by changing the shape of the chemical’s particle structure, an advancement which may be particularly beneficial for people with darker skin tones. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 May 2026 Its prebiotic fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beneficial

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficial was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌben-ə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
beneficially adverb
beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective
ben·​e·​fi·​cial ˌbe-nə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce beneficial (audio)
1
: providing benefits or advantages
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use
a beneficial shareholder
a beneficial estate
beneficially adverb

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