FUTILE Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'futile' different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile . While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking. // resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

Q: How do 'fruitless' and 'vain' relate to one another, in the sense of 'futile'?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment. // fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

Q: When could 'vain' be used to replace 'futile'?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result. // a vain attempt to get the car started

futile

adjective

ˈfyü-tᵊl

Definition of futile next

as in unsuccessful

producing no results the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silly

lacking in seriousness or maturity the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word futile different from other adjectives like it?

The words fruitless and vain are common synonyms of futile. While all three words mean "producing no result," futile may connote completeness of failure or unwisdom of undertaking.

resistance had proved so futile that surrender was the only choice left

How do fruitless and vain relate to one another, in the sense of futile?

Fruitless comes close to vain but often suggests long and arduous effort or severe disappointment.

fruitless efforts to obtain a lasting peace

When could vain be used to replace futile?

The words vain and futile can be used in similar contexts, but vain usually implies simple failure to achieve a desired result.

a vain attempt to get the car started

Examples 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 futile Additionally, remaining silent or giving up after futile efforts to enforce accountability can be easy. —

Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Putting too much effort into trying to change someone will be futile. —

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024 When the franchise’s eventual plans to move to Las Vegas began to seem real, Bobbitt helped organize futile lawsuits to block the relocation. —

Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2024 This does not mean suicide prevention efforts are futile. —

Sophia Laurenzi, TIME, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for futile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for futile

Adjective

In his unsuccessful 2020 race, Trump garnered almost 13,000 votes.

Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
Riley's mother began to get worried, and phone records show that many of Riley's family members attempted to reach her but were unsuccessful.

Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024