to all intents and purposes
phrase
—used to say that one thing has the same effect or result as something else
Their decision to begin bombing was, to all intents and purposes, a declaration of war.
Cite this Entry
“To all intents and purposes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20all%20intents%20and%20purposes. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
