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
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
There are lots of styles of dog sweaters to choose from on the market, from utilitarian to high fashion.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Some hosts may feel comfortable simply pointing you in the right direction, but others may prefer keeping utilitarian spaces out of sight.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Not so surprisingly, many of them are now asking about its utilitarian abilities.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
When World War II broke out in 1939 and women were brought into the workplace in the ’40s, fashion reacted with more functional, utilitarian wear.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Some hosts may feel comfortable simply pointing you in the right direction, but others may prefer keeping utilitarian spaces out of sight.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
Not so surprisingly, many of them are now asking about its utilitarian abilities.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
When World War II broke out in 1939 and women were brought into the workplace in the ’40s, fashion reacted with more functional, utilitarian wear.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
-
Yet much of Mason’s advice is simply about being useful, by delivering facts and opinions in a clear, elegant way.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
-
That being said, while measuring GDP is a useful barometer for the health of each economy, the might of America’s economy is evident.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
While the two companies have not had a commercial relationship in recent years, both Netflix and AMC are intrigued by the mutually beneficial opportunities that could arise from this and future collaborations.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Hiking With Dogs Walking your dogs and taking them on hikes has been proven to be beneficial for both owners and canines by improving mental and physical health.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share