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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 utilitarian
The latest additions to the collection have leaned away from the more utilitarian aesthetic of the original and into a more refined design that could be used for daily wear just as easily as on a dive.
—
Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
Cameras on rugged devices are usually meant for utilitarian purposes, such as recording progress at a work site, and are not meant to replace your standalone camera.
—PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Like Beethoven, Tharp creates a utilitarian theme as a jumping-off point for mostly jovial dalliances between gaggles of dancers and a rather pleasant power struggle between the dancers, pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev, who plays live from the orchestra pit — and the audience.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Stanley Classic Stay Hot French Press Stanley Stay Hot French Press
While Stanley makes some cute and colorful water bottles and tumblers these days, its French press harkens back to its rough-and-tumble utilitarian roots.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
Cameras on rugged devices are usually meant for utilitarian purposes, such as recording progress at a work site, and are not meant to replace your standalone camera.
—PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
Like Beethoven, Tharp creates a utilitarian theme as a jumping-off point for mostly jovial dalliances between gaggles of dancers and a rather pleasant power struggle between the dancers, pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev, who plays live from the orchestra pit — and the audience.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
Stanley Classic Stay Hot French Press Stanley Stay Hot French Press
While Stanley makes some cute and colorful water bottles and tumblers these days, its French press harkens back to its rough-and-tumble utilitarian roots.
—Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
-
What may have been useful in saurischians, for example, may have been essentially useless — a Mesozoic appendix — in sauropods and theropods.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Discover Magazine,
19 Apr. 2025
-
This functionality is particularly useful for artists, content creators, and producers looking for efficient ways to develop custom music while maintaining artistic integrity.—
Rowan Briggs,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Implementing these systems can be a logical and beneficial extension of application modernization, taking efficiency and agility to a new level.—
Manuel Sanchez,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share