for all practical purposes

phrase

: in effect

After the blizzard, the town was, for all practical purposes, shut down.

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of for all practical purposes was in 1795

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for all one knows

for all practical purposes

for all (someone) cares

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Cite this Entry

Style

“For all practical purposes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20all%20practical%20purposes. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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for all practical purposes

phrase

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