useful

adjective

ˈyüs-fəl How to pronounce useful (audio)
Definition of usefulnext
1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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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

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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 And to be useful, these civilizations need to be predictable. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 This is particularly useful because deer are often active during twilight, when detecting predators can be more important than distinguishing a broad range of colors. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 Your diplomatic instincts are useful, Libra, but don’t make the agreement so pleasant that nobody knows what was decided. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026 The robocall scorecard won’t be the first FCC initiative designed to give consumers useful data about telecom providers. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
  1. applicable
  2. available
  3. helpful
  4. practical
  5. functional
  6. beneficial
  7. applied
  8. operable
Adjective
  • The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In court Friday, Rothblatt said prosecutors determined Company A had paid all applicable income taxes to the IRS on time, and that any personal income taxes that had been owed by Individual B were paid up in following years.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • Newcastle were not content, though, and with Woltemade made available, an attacker was sought.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell also uses a belt drive as standard equipment for quieter, lower-maintenance operation, with an optional 520 chain conversion available for riders who prefer a more traditional setup.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of available
Adjective
  • Squeeze bottles are also helpful for storing and dispensing homemade condiments (think spicy mayo) or syrups for coffee or cocktails.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Starter Davis Martin said the veterans who have been in past playoff pushes have been helpful.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpful
Adjective
  • Turning the measured effect into a practical quantum-control tool will require researchers to understand and manage the remaining optical imperfections.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The upcoming holidays will test AI's practical advantage in navigating uncertainty and building resilient retail businesses.
    — Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of practical
Adjective
  • Previous-generation Outbacks were functional but had an unfortunate tendency to look as though their infotainment system had been installed by somebody who strongly disliked both computers and human beings.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Emtek hardware, a custom range hood and JennAir appliances round out the functional upgrades, while oversized pendant lights and mixed-metal fixtures add a designer layer.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of functional
Adjective
  • Unlike tobacco, a static product with no real defensible qualities outside of recreation, consumer technology is ever evolving, and the lines between harmfully addictive and beneficial to society can be extremely blurry.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Also, ants are a beneficial insect and may not even be harming your plants.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Adjective
  • Designed for future growth, the laboratory positions Auburn to meet increasing demand for applied research and technology development in aerospace and defense.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • FutureTex will work with domestic manufacturers to commercialize applied research, modernize facilities and equipment—plus incorporate digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies into production.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of applied
Adjective
  • They’re also treated like bicycles and are required to have operable pedals, for instance.
    — Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In Florida, e-bikes are defined as a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of operable

Browse Nearby Words

used up
useful
usefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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