utilitarian

1 of 2

noun

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce utilitarian (audio)
Synonyms of utilitarian
: an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism

utilitarian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to or advocating utilitarianism
2
: marked by utilitarian views or practices
3
a
: of, relating to, or aiming at utility
b
: exhibiting or preferring mere utility
spare utilitarian furnishings

Examples of utilitarian in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The atmosphere is counter-service utilitarian, and there isn't a bar anywhere in sight. — Mark Dejoy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026 Koolhaas sang the joys of juxtapositions in his 1978 book Delirious New York, and here his firm has cultivated a distinctively New York–y jangle of forms in which the utilitarian becomes the theatrical. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The mood of the season was taking a very pragmatic and utilitarian item, and transforming it into something much more decorative and fashun. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026 Trump then argued that the renaming was based on a utilitarian argument, saying the United States does more than Canada to protect and maintain the Great Lakes. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for utilitarian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilitarian was in 1781

Rhymes for utilitarian

See All Rhymes for utilitarian

Browse Nearby Words

utilise
utilitarian
utilitarianism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

utilitarian

adjective
util·​i·​tar·​i·​an
(ˌ)yü-ˌtil-ə-ˈter-ē-ən
1
: of or relating to utility
2
: aiming at usefulness rather than beauty
utilitarian furniture

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