pragmatism
noun
prag·ma·tism
ˈprag-mə-ˌti-zəm 
1
: a practical approach to problems and affairs
tried to strike a balance between principles and pragmatism
2
: an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief
Examples of pragmatism in a Sentence
To put it rather more crudely, he is trying to sell his integrationist and reformist agenda using traditionalist legal wrappings. It is, of course, this pragmatism, which sometimes comes across as slippery casuistry, that so annoys his critics.
—
Malise Ruthven, New York Review of Books, 16 Aug. 2007
These are books without slogans, manuals that favor subtlety over simplicity, moderation over bombast, pragmatism over ideology.
—Jonathan Tepperman, New York Times Book Review, 16 Oct 2005
… compromise (or better yet, its spirit) symbolizes the necessary pragmatism expected of politics in a pluralist society.
—Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings … , 1996
The right person for the job will balance vision with pragmatism.
Malise Ruthven, New York Review of Books, 16 Aug. 2007
These are books without slogans, manuals that favor subtlety over simplicity, moderation over bombast, pragmatism over ideology.
—Jonathan Tepperman, New York Times Book Review, 16 Oct 2005
… compromise (or better yet, its spirit) symbolizes the necessary pragmatism expected of politics in a pluralist society.
—Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings … , 1996
The right person for the job will balance vision with pragmatism.
Recent Examples on the Web
That clinical pragmatism extends to the brand’s design and packaging choices.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The American Revolution was successful only because the ledger looked ugly in London, and as a matter of pragmatism, the project had to end.
—Tom Shattuck, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
People were a bit allergic to the new direction last time, but a sonic U-turn is a concession, a place where pragmatism does outweigh whim.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Think about it: Mercury is in your sign, energizing your mind, while Saturn adds a layer of pragmatism to your long-term goals.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pragmatism
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Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The American Revolution was successful only because the ledger looked ugly in London, and as a matter of pragmatism, the project had to end.
—Tom Shattuck, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
People were a bit allergic to the new direction last time, but a sonic U-turn is a concession, a place where pragmatism does outweigh whim.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Think about it: Mercury is in your sign, energizing your mind, while Saturn adds a layer of pragmatism to your long-term goals.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pragmatism
Cite this Entry
“Pragmatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pragmatism. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pragmatism
noun
prag·ma·tism
ˈprag-mə-ˌtiz-əm
1
: a practical approach to problems and affairs
2
: a doctrine that truth is to be tested by the practical effects of belief
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