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
Broadly speaking, the justification for criminal punishment turned away from wrath, toward utilitarian concepts of effectiveness and social benefit.
—
Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
While denim, the material, remains timeless and utilitarian, its silhouettes are always evolving.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Transform the utilitarian style with your shoe choice.
—Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Kyle Richards Richards spent the holidays in Aspen with her family, bringing a utilitarian edge to the town’s winter uniform.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
While denim, the material, remains timeless and utilitarian, its silhouettes are always evolving.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Transform the utilitarian style with your shoe choice.
—Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Kyle Richards Richards spent the holidays in Aspen with her family, bringing a utilitarian edge to the town’s winter uniform.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
-
Trump believes exacting tariffs can be a useful tool in prodding friends and foes on the global stage to bend to his will.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Gafford would be useful to have around as insurance for a Davis deal or if Lively’s injury ends up impacting his career.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This, in turn, causes inadequate air supply to root systems and loss of beneficial microorganisms.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The researchers concluded that developing and using more products derived from monk fruit may be beneficial to health.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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