as in useful
capable of being put to use or account
She found his theories utilitarian in constructing her own.
of, relating to, or being a method of computer programming in which each step of the solution to a problem is contained in a separate subprogram
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Recent Examples of utilitarian
Move over Bogg Bag; Stanley has entered the seasonal utilitarian tote chat.
—
Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 July 2025
Lena Dunham’s new series makes falling in love look almost utilitarian.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 July 2025
If Hallie Parker is your favorite character in The Parent Trap, your style is more utilitarian rather than frilly, just like Hallie's.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Not enough attention is paid to belts, but here’s one that is way more than utilitarian.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 July 2025
Lena Dunham’s new series makes falling in love look almost utilitarian.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 July 2025
If Hallie Parker is your favorite character in The Parent Trap, your style is more utilitarian rather than frilly, just like Hallie's.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Not enough attention is paid to belts, but here’s one that is way more than utilitarian.
—Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
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This tool is most useful for those who are active outdoors, such as construction workers and athletes.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
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Its ability to predict and adapt is one of the most useful aspects of agentic AI.—
Prashanthi Kolluru,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Pinkerton argues that the FDA's black box warning labels on hormone replacement therapies make women reluctant to take medications that can be beneficial for treating the symptoms of menopause.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
25 July 2025
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The majority of Rio’s revenue is derived from iron ore—beneficial for the present, but not quite the forward-looking term that excites the markets.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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