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
Provencio notes that practical survival items matter most during an evacuation, especially when conditions become unpredictable.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
However, work, scheduling or practical responsibilities could feel scattered or strangely overwhelming.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Each issue focuses on one timely financial topic, presented in clear, practical context.
—Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
The payments ecosystem at North operates as a practical example of this standard.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
However, work, scheduling or practical responsibilities could feel scattered or strangely overwhelming.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Each issue focuses on one timely financial topic, presented in clear, practical context.
—Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026
The payments ecosystem at North operates as a practical example of this standard.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical
Adjective
-
Something casual could become useful quickly.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
If a thick field guide covering all the plants growing along the Front Range feels intimidating, apps can be useful, Mowen says.—
Jamie Siebrase,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Prior to his first season leading LAFC, Dos Santos said his coaching style is more aggressive than pragmatic.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
But ahead of the Sky’s season-opening 98-83 win Saturday night against the expansion Portland Fire at the Moda Center, starting point guard Skylar Diggins voiced a pragmatic outlook on the team’s opening weeks of the season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Wellness initiatives—which are covered by health insurance, when applicable—to improve nutrition and exercise and that teach skills around stress management and sleep will be key to helping women manage their menopause symptoms more effectively.—
Shirley Velasquez,
Flow Space,
11 May 2026
-
Both groups’ standards include conserving water, wildlife and biodiversity as well as compliance with applicable forestry laws to keep ecosystems healthy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
Keep your responses measured and your commitments realistic so nothing escalates unnecessarily.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Policymakers should also require manufacturers to disclose additives and realistic leaching data for food-contact materials, cookware, bottled water, and children’s products.—
Justin Zorn,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design.—
Lola W. Brabham,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
Fall spent nearly four years as vice president for applied sciences at technology research nonprofit MITRE.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Practical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
