Synonyms for

Helpful

Verb / ˈhelpfʌl / Another word for helpful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

giving or ready to give help; useful

Synonyms & similar words

unhelpful useful beneficial supportive kind friendly cooperative accommodating generous courteous considerate attentive thoughtful responsive sympathetic compassionate understanding empathetic altruistic charitable philanthropic

Synonyms by register

Formal

beneficial advantageous constructive valuable

Informal

handy useful great awesome

Literary

salutary boon

Antonyms

unhelpful hindering detrimental harmful obstructive disadvantageous

Common collocations

  • very helpful
  • extremely helpful
  • really helpful
  • most helpful
  • helpful advice
  • helpful suggestion
  • helpful person
  • helpful tool

Word family

noun helpfulness
verb help
adverb helpfully

Usage note

While 'helpful' is generally positive, be mindful of context. Sometimes, excessive or unsolicited help can be perceived as intrusive.

Example sentences

  1. The librarian was very helpful in finding the book I needed.
  2. My friend was helpful when I needed someone to talk to.
  3. The instructions on the package were very helpful in setting up the new toy.
  4. The doctor was very helpful in explaining the medical procedure.
  5. The hotel staff was very helpful in recommending local restaurants.

Quotes

  • Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree. - Marian Wright Edelman
  • The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own. - Benjamin Disraeli
  • When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. - Maya Angelou

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