pragmatism
noun
prag·ma·tism
ˈprag-mə-ˌti-zəm 
1
: a practical approach to problems and affairs
tried to strike a balance between principles and pragmatism
2
: an American movement in philosophy founded by C. S. Peirce and William James and marked by the doctrines that the meaning of conceptions is to be sought in their practical bearings, that the function of thought is to guide action, and that truth is preeminently to be tested by the practical consequences of belief
Examples of pragmatism in a Sentence
To put it rather more crudely, he is trying to sell his integrationist and reformist agenda using traditionalist legal wrappings. It is, of course, this pragmatism, which sometimes comes across as slippery casuistry, that so annoys his critics.
—
Malise Ruthven, New York Review of Books, 16 Aug. 2007
These are books without slogans, manuals that favor subtlety over simplicity, moderation over bombast, pragmatism over ideology.
—Jonathan Tepperman, New York Times Book Review, 16 Oct 2005
… compromise (or better yet, its spirit) symbolizes the necessary pragmatism expected of politics in a pluralist society.
—Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings … , 1996
The right person for the job will balance vision with pragmatism.
Malise Ruthven, New York Review of Books, 16 Aug. 2007
These are books without slogans, manuals that favor subtlety over simplicity, moderation over bombast, pragmatism over ideology.
—Jonathan Tepperman, New York Times Book Review, 16 Oct 2005
… compromise (or better yet, its spirit) symbolizes the necessary pragmatism expected of politics in a pluralist society.
—Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings … , 1996
The right person for the job will balance vision with pragmatism.
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s a pragmatism to the way the tractor cuts through the pillowy substance so weighted by historical implication; the moment jars the senses and affirms the depth of African-American connection to this land.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Many combine their pragmatism and independence with the societal norms of today, resulting in a distinct grandparenting style.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025
As the dust settles on the Divvy and Industrious acquisitions, one thing is clear: the future of proptech lies at the intersection of innovation and pragmatism.
—Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Xers are shaped by their DIY childhoods and early economic upheavals and approach their careers with a potent blend of pragmatism and hidden idealism.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
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Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Many combine their pragmatism and independence with the societal norms of today, resulting in a distinct grandparenting style.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2025
As the dust settles on the Divvy and Industrious acquisitions, one thing is clear: the future of proptech lies at the intersection of innovation and pragmatism.
—Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Xers are shaped by their DIY childhoods and early economic upheavals and approach their careers with a potent blend of pragmatism and hidden idealism.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pragmatism
Dictionary Entries Near pragmatism
Cite this Entry
“Pragmatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pragmatism. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pragmatism
noun
prag·ma·tism
ˈprag-mə-ˌtiz-əm
1
: a practical approach to problems and affairs
2
: a doctrine that truth is to be tested by the practical effects of belief
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