a means to an end
noun phrase
: something done only to produce a desired result
Computers have always been a means to an end for [George] Lucas: telling stories.—
David A. Kaplan
David A. KaplanExamples of a means to an end in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet savvy business and government leaders understand that quantum is a means to an end—a powerful tool to achieve specific objectives rather than an end goal in itself.
—Yuval Boger, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Rather, it should be viewed as any other tool, a means to an end.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
In Germany, technology was never merely a means to an end.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
At first, algebraic techniques were a means to an end.
—Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a means to an end
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Yuval Boger, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Rather, it should be viewed as any other tool, a means to an end.
—Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
In Germany, technology was never merely a means to an end.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
At first, algebraic techniques were a means to an end.
—Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a means to an end
Cite this Entry
“A means to an end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20means%20to%20an%20end. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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