1
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
useful suggestions for limiting the amount of food we eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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Recent Examples of useful
The second law of thermodynamics (also a fundamental physics concept) says that the use of energy to do useful work is always accompanied by waste.
—
Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
During the 16th and early 17th centuries, wealthy families in Europe employed correspondents throughout the continent to provide them letters with business information useful to further their power.
—Chris Roush, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Any efforts to grow plants will necessarily lead to the introduction of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes — whether intentionally as useful symbionts or as accidental stowaways.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
Gardening Tools Cardboard is a famously useful material to use in gardening, and cardboard drink holders are no exception.
—Christianna Silva, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
During the 16th and early 17th centuries, wealthy families in Europe employed correspondents throughout the continent to provide them letters with business information useful to further their power.
—Chris Roush, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
Any efforts to grow plants will necessarily lead to the introduction of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes — whether intentionally as useful symbionts or as accidental stowaways.
—Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026
Gardening Tools Cardboard is a famously useful material to use in gardening, and cardboard drink holders are no exception.
—Christianna Silva, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for useful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for useful
Adjective
-
All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.—
Ashley Portillo,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But again, this is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That figures to be addressed not only in the sixth round, but also with remaining available free agents and undrafted free agency.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Every other player on both teams was available.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Focus on business and personal relationships with those who are kind, helpful and have your back.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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Plus, marigolds will attract pollinators like bumble bees which are helpful for tomato plants.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon steadies Jupiter’s influence, helping practical decisions create emotional ease.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Rather than scaling back on care, many pet owners are shifting to preventive habits, multi-functional products, and practical home adjustments to help households stay ahead of potential issues while keeping costs predictable.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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These standards are not only more functional, but reduce the night sky glow, are more energy efficient, reduce wildlife impacts and contribute to better health.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The video titles, descriptions and opening sequences often give the illusion that the content is educational and beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers.—
Dana Suskind,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Basil and tomatoes share a mutually beneficial relationship.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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His attorney, Ava Benach, said Vedam hopes to live with a relative in Sacramento and has been offered a spot in Oregon State University’s doctoral program in applied anthropology.—
Mark Scolforo,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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The battle damage estimate is now put at 60% of missile launchers, but it is acknowledged that in some cases these can be dug out and made operable.—
Ian Pannell,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Useful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/useful. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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