pragmatism

noun

Definition of pragmatismnext
as in realism

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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 pragmatism And the passion on the right has led to a kind of pragmatism on the left. — Kevin Townsend, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026 At the heart of the scheme is American pragmatism, which older schools of German thought had considered unserious. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 This is where strategic pragmatism meets historic opportunity. — Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 That pragmatism mirrors what other research has found about the generation. — Jake Angelo, Fortune, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pragmatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pragmatism
  1. realism
  2. cynicism
Noun
  • Gordon’s novel, in addition to its realism about what people can and can’t get from one another, offers a biting satire of the parasocial-friendship ecosystem of podcasts and social media.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • The goal isn’t realism; the goal is to sharpen skills and build instincts before any of those situations occur in real life.
    — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of realism
Noun
  • This cynicism was a common thread in the reviews with entertainment journalists noting that the remake was released soon after the original in order to squeeze yet more money out of the movie which had already spawned a successful sequel in 2024.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Patriotism rooted in one or the other can curdle into cynicism or nihilism when confronted with evidence that confounds them.
    — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of cynicism

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pragmatism
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Cite this Entry

“Pragmatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pragmatism. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pragmatism

Nglish: Translation of pragmatism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pragmatism

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