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
To some critics, O’Brien’s alignment with Trump goes beyond utilitarian benefit to a place of identifying with brawler white-male politics; like the president, O’Brien regards himself as a sharp negotiator and, more troublingly to many, has offered up anti-immigrant rhetoric.
—
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Usonian: In the 1930s, Wright created a series of affordable, utilitarian homes intended for middle- and working-class families.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
Amazon’s selection of travel pants features something for every type of trip and traveler, from stylish linen picks to utilitarian hiking pants.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Once a purely utilitarian piece of parenting gear, the stroller has become the ultimate luxury lifestyle purchase for new parents.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Usonian: In the 1930s, Wright created a series of affordable, utilitarian homes intended for middle- and working-class families.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
Amazon’s selection of travel pants features something for every type of trip and traveler, from stylish linen picks to utilitarian hiking pants.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Once a purely utilitarian piece of parenting gear, the stroller has become the ultimate luxury lifestyle purchase for new parents.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for utilitarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian
Adjective
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This tool is most useful for those who are active outdoors, such as construction workers and athletes.—
Mary Wasson,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
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Its ability to predict and adapt is one of the most useful aspects of agentic AI.—
Prashanthi Kolluru,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Pinkerton argues that the FDA's black box warning labels on hormone replacement therapies make women reluctant to take medications that can be beneficial for treating the symptoms of menopause.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
25 July 2025
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The majority of Rio’s revenue is derived from iron ore—beneficial for the present, but not quite the forward-looking term that excites the markets.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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