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 Instead of predicting a rosy outcome or forcing a new personality, a useful mantra can state a choice that’s within your control. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Jonathan Sorce, a physicist at Princeton University, says that Hilbert space is a handy mathematical construction that is remarkably useful for describing many quantum systems — but not all of them. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 The most useful tool for some leaders in this environment may be a mirror. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Shoppers can also ask AI to suggest less expensive alternatives that deliver similar benefits, which is useful when brand-name items on a wish list feel out of reach. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 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
  • Perfumer Jérôme Epinette added two more scents — Embrace, and D’lish — to join the already available Thrill, Splash, Crush, Sweet, and Vibe.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • More than 200 titles will launch with Indonesian dubbing, with a wider slate available in Indonesian subtitles.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • The vehicles were still operable, just without perks that had been included when the owners purchased their vehicles.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 15 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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