PRAGMATISM Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

pragmatism

noun

Definition of pragmatism

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

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

Holden’s moral rigor is refreshing in a cultural moment marked by an unsettling mix of cynicism and heedlessness.

— Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Once again, Adam Elliot balances deep cynicism with wonderment in the challenging and funny film, with a great many unexpected twists.

— Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Definition of cynicism

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pragmatic

pragmatism

pragmatist

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“Pragmatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pragmatism. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pragmatism

noun

Example Sentences

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