1
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account
a practical and simple solution for the town's waste disposal she has some practical information on sightseeing in San Francisco
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
a practical caseworker who doesn't spend a lot of time philosophizing while doing social work in the inner city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 practical
Treatment may also bring practical adjustments, including separate sleeping arrangements, changes in physical contact or new daily routines.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
December 22 – January 19 Capricorn, practical changes build lasting trust.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Functionally, the task is converting Musk’s pie-in-the-sky ambitions into practical deadlines.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 June 2026
Part of the challenge is practical.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
December 22 – January 19 Capricorn, practical changes build lasting trust.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026
Functionally, the task is converting Musk’s pie-in-the-sky ambitions into practical deadlines.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 June 2026
Part of the challenge is practical.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical
Adjective
-
That could include another brewery, but the property also has a rail spur, high ceilings and loading bays — all of which could be useful for other kinds of manufacturers.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
11 Dec. 2025
-
These are some ideas that are both thoughtful and useful for anyone, no matter their skin type or specific skin care routine.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The third spot, initially expected to go to Martín Zubimendi, now looks more likely to be Fabián Ruiz for the Cape Verde opener, with De la Fuente pragmatic about rotating in the early group games and with Zubimendi struggling for form later on in the club season.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Putting football’s compelling social power aside, Saudi fans are pragmatic about their side’s chances.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Whether compensation is available, though, will depend on the circumstances, the parties involved and applicable state laws.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Jurors unanimously concluded Musk’s claims were filed too late and fell outside the applicable statute of limitations.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Macdonald’s defense, which surrendered the fewest points in the NFL last season, has realistic potential for improvement.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
For many adults, two to three full-body strength workouts per week is a realistic starting point.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The latter is key to a Choisne design that recently joined the permanent collection at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum—the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design.—
Laurie Brookins,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
-
The system delivers millimeter-level force-control accuracy, automatically adjusting applied force according to task requirements and material characteristics.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Practical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
