1
as in unsuccessful
producing no results
the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silly
lacking in seriousness or maturity
the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of futile
Though their efforts were futile, their remains provide remarkable insight into the doomed city’s final moments.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Through the two-hour journey that makes up the Thunderbolt’s origin story, the audience experiences the way these skilled fighters continue butting heads over the most futile issues.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 8 May 2025
Many Democrats maintain impeachment is futile, at best, while Democrats are in the minority.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 May 2025
After a few futile attempts, Jordan grabs her lead and starts coaxing her in.
—Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
Through the two-hour journey that makes up the Thunderbolt’s origin story, the audience experiences the way these skilled fighters continue butting heads over the most futile issues.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 8 May 2025
Many Democrats maintain impeachment is futile, at best, while Democrats are in the minority.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 May 2025
After a few futile attempts, Jordan grabs her lead and starts coaxing her in.
—Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile
Adjective
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Officials said he was found semiconscious on the River Trail on June 30 but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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Efforts to refloat the ship during high tide on Thursday were unsuccessful.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
If a couple players on the Dodgers can make a silly comment, so can the owner of the Yankees.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
The idea of telling someone that a specific whiskey glass is the absolute best is silly, like trying to dictate the design of their wedding ring for them.—
Tom Mylan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
For one, any melasma treatment is practically useless without them.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
24 May 2025
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And beyond… Generalizations can be either good or bad, useful or useless.—
Eli Amdur,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Pair over Bluetooth, drop a shot into the app, add a collage frame or goofy sticker, and in half a minute, a wide-format print pops out.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
27 May 2025
-
Willy Memnon, who is endearingly played by Coleman Ray Clark as goofy, childlike and incompetent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Lana Ferguson, author of the hit The Nanny has written a giddy summer love story between two unlikely roommates.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Simply buy some bait, hold it over the water, and get ready for a heart-pounding moment as the massive silvery fish leap up to grab their snack — cue the giddy screams, laughter, and plenty of photos.—
Angela Caraway-Carlton,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Futile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futile. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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