a means to an end
noun phrase
: something done only to produce a desired result
Computers have always been a means to an end for [George] Lucas: telling stories.—
David A. Kaplan
David A. KaplanExamples of a means to an end in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That feels right, not only as a change of pace after the massive horde that attacked Jackson last week, but as a reminder that the infected are really just a means to an end with this story, placing characters like Ellie into a chaotic, lawless, dangerous world.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Like in every domain, AI is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Through these conversations, Claire realized that money is more than a means to an end.
—Sharon Olson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Instead, the mass firings don’t seem to be a means to an end on the way to overhauling American health.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a means to an end
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Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Like in every domain, AI is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Through these conversations, Claire realized that money is more than a means to an end.
—Sharon Olson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Instead, the mass firings don’t seem to be a means to an end on the way to overhauling American health.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a means to an end
Cite this Entry
“A means to an end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20means%20to%20an%20end. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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