1
as in unsuccessful
producing no results
the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silly
lacking in seriousness or maturity
the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of futile
Twenty-five launch crew workers were treated for smoke inhalation at the Cape Kennedy dispensary in the aftermath of the futile rescue attempt.
—
Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
At that point, trading citations becomes a futile exercise in parallel monologues.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
There is simply constant erosion of trust until participation feels futile.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
But grappling with what’s ahead seems futile for others.
—Toqa Ezzidin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for futile
Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
At that point, trading citations becomes a futile exercise in parallel monologues.
—Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026
There is simply constant erosion of trust until participation feels futile.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
But grappling with what’s ahead seems futile for others.
—Toqa Ezzidin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for futile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile
Adjective
-
These therapies are not universally successful, of course, but can often save lives and defeat cancers where other methods are unsuccessful.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Symptoms include cravings, unsuccessful quit attempts, tolerance and withdrawal.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Huw just waiting for him without involving the police or having really any plan whatsoever is just as silly.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Wain was joined by stars Ken Marino (who co-wrote the film), Zoey Deutch, John Slattery, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Ben Wang to reminisce about making their unapologetically silly comedy.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Homeowners and residents are baffled by the attacks upon their beautiful — but otherwise seemingly useless — plants.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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My deep cynicism thinks this was a diabolical plan to herd young people toward expensive, and somewhat useless, college degrees.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Sabrina Carpenter’s song about guys being goofy and Bad Bunny’s single about wishing to be more present in fleeting moments might’ve been more pertinent to a rough last year animated by masculine aggression.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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The Broward County rapper serves a goofy mash-up of Haitian party music and regional drug rap.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That’s why Adams wasn’t exactly giddy when the road-warrior Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round or the Chicago Bears in last weekend’s Divisional Round.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2026
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There is regret for not having spent more time in Rwanda’s beautiful capital, a mounting excitement about entering its wildscapes, and the giddy anticipation for my first sighting of a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Futile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futile. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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