FUTILE Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'futile' different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile . While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking. // resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

Q: How do 'fruitless' and 'vain' relate to one another, in the sense of 'futile'?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment. // fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

Q: When could 'vain' be used to replace 'futile'?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result. // a vain attempt to get the car started

futile

adjective

ˈfyü-tᵊl

Definition of futile next

as in unsuccessful

producing no results the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silly

lacking in seriousness or maturity the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word futile different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile. While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking.

resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

How do fruitless and vain relate to one another, in the sense of futile?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment.

fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

When could vain be used to replace futile?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result.

a vain attempt to get the car started

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 futile Billionaire Tom Steyer, who had been polling near the top of the leaderboard for California governor, sank more than $213 million of his own money into what now increasingly looks like a futile bid. —

Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026 That was an appropriate response by Rockies fans when the Rockies mercifully moved on from futile general manager Bill Geivett and insufferable team president Greg Feasel. —

Troy Renck, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 Any attempt to pin down the greatest men’s footballer is therefore futile at best and highly subjective at worst. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026 Regulating morality becomes the norm and is futile when trying to regulate each individual, business, community group in a society. —

Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for futile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile

Adjective

There were certainly many unsuccessful fits and starts.

— Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Pearson said multiple attempts by Fish and Game to trap the bear were unsuccessful.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 18 June 2026