UTILITARIAN Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

utilitarian

adjective

Definition of utilitarian

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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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 If factories, kitchens, warehouses, websites, and workflows become increasingly machine-native, then human spaces may be relieved of some of their utilitarian burden. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Cool Camo and Olive While utilitarian influences—think military jackets, cargo pants—have been showing up in trends, camo print feels like its final boss. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 Historically, these jackets embody a very utilitarian look, with a long, boxy cut and oversized front patch pockets for holding tools. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2026 At one time, the toilet was primarily considered a purely utilitarian fixture, with interior designers essentially working around it. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilitarian

Recent Examples of Synonyms for utilitarian

Adjective

That control system aims to extract more useful energy from each combustion cycle.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
An analyst who can check something in a minute will check it, and then check the thing the first answer suggested, and the useful finding tends to turn up two or three steps in.

— David Zwick, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

Unlike tobacco, a static product with no real defensible qualities outside of recreation, consumer technology is ever evolving, and the lines between harmfully addictive and beneficial to society can be extremely blurry.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Also, ants are a beneficial insect and may not even be harming your plants.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of beneficial

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utensils

utilitarian

utility

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“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilitarian. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of utilitarian

adjective

Example Sentences

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