Synonyms of consumernext
often attributive
: one that consumes: such as
a
: one that utilizes economic goods
Many consumers shop online.
b
: an organism requiring complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other organisms or by eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

Examples of consumer in a Sentence

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The growing normalization and adoption of open-weight AI models, as enterprises and consumers alike seek to customize models to their unique use cases. Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Amazon did not dispute key claims about the mechanics of its ad auctions, but said its system did not harm consumers or advertisers. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 The team previously built Mangoal, a consumer-electronics brand focused on dash cams and intelligent vision systems. New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 With consumers paying an average of $49,855 for new cars in July 2026, according to Cox Automotive's Kelley Blue Book, only nine major car brands averaged sale prices under $40,000 in the United States. Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consumer

Word History

Etymology

see consume

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of consumer was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consumer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consumer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

consumer

noun
1
: one that consumes
especially : a person who buys and uses up goods
2
: a plant or animal that requires complex organic compounds for food which it obtains by preying on other living things or eating particles of organic matter compare producer sense 3

Legal Definition

consumer

noun
con·​sum·​er
: one that utilizes economic goods
specifically : an individual who purchases goods for personal use as distinguished from commercial use

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