practical

adjective

ˈprak-ti-kəl How to pronounce practical (audio)
Definition of practicalnext
1
as in useful
capable of being put to use or account a practical and simple solution for the town's waste disposal she has some practical information on sightseeing in San Francisco

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pragmatic
willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly a practical caseworker who doesn't spend a lot of time philosophizing while doing social work in the inner city

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 practical The practical impact is not immediately clear since many who have engaged in prostitution may still be either immediately disqualified or weeded out upon further scrutiny from FBI polygraphers and security officials. — Eric Tucker, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 The core of the Teamsters’ petition against the DMV is the claim that regulators violated the California Administrative Procedure Act by failing to complete an extensive study of the economic and practical impact of the policy change. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 The first-generation Apple Watch SE is a practical entry point for someone curious about the Apple Watch but unwilling to pay flagship prices. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026 The chocolate brown hue is so classic, and the crossbody design is perfectly practical. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practical
  1. useful
  2. pragmatic
  3. applicable
  4. realistic
  5. applied
Adjective
  • The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Removing dye, however, is only useful to recycling if the process does not destroy the cellulose along with it.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of useful
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
  • But Still Coming Down isn’t a fatalistic album as a whole, just a pragmatic one.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pragmatic
Adjective
  • The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In court Friday, Rothblatt said prosecutors determined Company A had paid all applicable income taxes to the IRS on time, and that any personal income taxes that had been owed by Individual B were paid up in following years.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • Keeping him and his elite scoring ability would give the Red Wings a much more realistic ability to compete in the near future.
    — Max Bultman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states’ lawyers had signaled roughly $200 billion was a more realistic target at trial.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of realistic
Adjective
  • Designed for future growth, the laboratory positions Auburn to meet increasing demand for applied research and technology development in aerospace and defense.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • FutureTex will work with domestic manufacturers to commercialize applied research, modernize facilities and equipment—plus incorporate digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies into production.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of applied

Phrases Containing practical

Browse Nearby Words

practicable
practical
practicality
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Cite this Entry

“Practical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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