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 The tiny house includes a useful office area that doubles as a downstairs bedroom, as well as a second sleeping area upstairs. Adam Williams july 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026 Establishing that benchmark before problems appear is especially useful given how gradual hearing loss tends to be. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 The best finds have a lid or hinged top to keep food and other picnic essentials covered during transit, but open wicker baskets can be just as useful. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 The people who learned quickly, communicated clearly, and stayed useful as the ground shifted under them. Jeremy Fain, Fortune, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.
    Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • More information for patients — including detail on the health plans and providers affected by the negotiations — is available on Cigna’s and UC Davis Health’s websites.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • According to Hasbro, all of the items will be available at most major retailers by mid-July.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The suggestion that the president is in-the-know about what the chairman would like to do with rates is unlikely to be helpful.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • The piece from Ginexi linked above contains helpful advice and some short examples about halfway down the page.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • What Enterprises Should Do Now For a technology buyer, the practical move is to treat the agent gateway as a diligence checklist rather than a purchase.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • As a perpetually on-the-go woman, my chic mom is rotating through a range of practical styles this season.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • For all its functional details, like the four protective feet at the base, a spacious interior, and multifunctional pockets, there are fun ones to match.
    Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • Bonus elements from mail slots to charging stations can keep your mudroom living extra functional.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Human minds would have to ensure that that bounty got distributed in socially beneficial ways.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
  • Syn explains that the starter is created by combining flour and water, allowing naturally occurring wild yeast and beneficial bacteria to grow over time.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The project is part of Habitat for Humanity's broader effort to expand affordable homeownership opportunities across the metro area while giving students hands-on experience in construction and applied math.
    Justin Adams, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Along with theology, that list now includes applied psychology, pharmaceutical sciences and others.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Youths in custody have access to drinking fountains and operable sinks in their rooms, Waters said.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Just keeping these buildings operable is expensive, and the district struggles to meet even immediate building needs because capacity gets crowded out by legacy debt payments and operational revenue shortfalls.
    Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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