Synonyms of beneficial
1
: producing good results or helpful effects : conferring benefits (see benefit entry 1 sense 1)
the beneficial effects of regular exercise
insects that are beneficial to your garden
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive advantage, use, or benefit
a beneficial owner of securities
a beneficial interest in an estate
beneficialness noun

Examples of beneficial in a Sentence

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to many people. Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects. They have a relationship that is beneficial to both of them. Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This type of information could also be beneficial in identifying dry areas that could be at a higher risk of wildfires sparking. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 July 2026 Not to do what is economically beneficial, even if there is an argument that is in a client’s immediate best interest, but in holding power to the law. Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 In fact, a single cup of pomegranate arils contains about 7 grams of fiber, making the fruit beneficial for digestive health and promoting fullness. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026 This leaves behind only potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium—which are all beneficial to your garden and lawn health. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beneficial

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficium favor, benefit — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficial was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beneficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

beneficial

adjective
: producing results that are good for health and happiness
beneficialness noun

Legal Definition

beneficial

adjective
1
: providing benefits or advantages
2
: receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use
a beneficial shareholder
a beneficial estate

More from Merriam-Webster on beneficial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!