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
But a mayonnaise sandwich was fast, and though utilitarian, inexplicably satisfying.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Outdoor lighting has evolved far beyond utilitarian sconces.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Crocheting a scarf, doing ollies at the skate park, adorning one’s nails with intricate designs: These are hardly the most utilitarian ways to spend an afternoon.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025
The other is synthetic, manmade, utilitarian and crumbles within decades but pollutes the environment forever.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Outdoor lighting has evolved far beyond utilitarian sconces.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Crocheting a scarf, doing ollies at the skate park, adorning one’s nails with intricate designs: These are hardly the most utilitarian ways to spend an afternoon.
—Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025
The other is synthetic, manmade, utilitarian and crumbles within decades but pollutes the environment forever.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
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To him, these forgeries were useful in convincing skeptics of fractal geometry’s usefulness.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Aug. 2025
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Lead with a useful tip or a light-hearted take, then weave in your message.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This combination of experience—specifically, that diversity of history and background—is beneficial for treating the broad range of patients who require health care.—
Adia Harvey Wingfield,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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While a nuisance, twig ants may be beneficial by feeding on other insects and fungal spores.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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