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
On the other side of the classroom wall giggling erupted, which rendered my exhortations futile.
—
Sally Ventura
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
While larger nations hesitated, dithered and opted for futile dialogue, Israel acted.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Yet this feud seems futile: like a circular firing squad, the chaotic back-and-forth only seems to create wounds everywhere.
—Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The regime’s tyrannical efforts to control and extinguish their savings were futile against their newfound freedom money.
—Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Sally Ventura
june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
While larger nations hesitated, dithered and opted for futile dialogue, Israel acted.
—Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Yet this feud seems futile: like a circular firing squad, the chaotic back-and-forth only seems to create wounds everywhere.
—Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The regime’s tyrannical efforts to control and extinguish their savings were futile against their newfound freedom money.
—Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for futile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile
Adjective
-
First responders also attempted to revive Riccardo, but were unsuccessful, the outlet added.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
All attempts to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful, Park Service officials said.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
This perky, self-aware, sarcastic and downright silly show caters to both the more traditional Goodspeed audiences.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
-
Green Lantern is earnest and bright and, yeah, incredibly silly and a little embarrassing.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Towns and hamlets have been largely pulverized along the front lines and for miles beyond; even American air defenses are mostly useless, because setting them up invites an immediate Russian attack.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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Apart from evidence, some of the most important testimonies in the case were also deemed useless during the investigation.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Through goofy quips, energetic displays of enthusiasm, and consistent perseverance, Derek continues to push himself and his classmates toward a productive (and silly) semester of learning.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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Despite his affectionate nature and goofy charm, no one ever came to reclaim him—and no one has shown any interest in him since.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
For the latter, Robinson stopped singing at one point and, with deadpan delivery, suggested the only thing that helped with his mental health struggles was a Brazilian butt lift, before shaking his rear for the giddy crowd.—
jsonline.com,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
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As triumphant as the album is, Kesha sounds even giddier when speaking about it.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Futile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/futile. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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