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
Throughout her campaign, Harris has found better luck with an approach rooted in pragmatism and joy.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, some pragmatism was required before embarking on the journey.
—Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
Furthermore, cultivating this discipline within your team can create a resilient business culture that thrives on both creativity and pragmatism.
—Hao Lam, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
What emerged from all that was a distinctive handbag—one that emphasizes the dualities of pragmatism and poetry, masculine and feminine, that form the through line in his work.
—Irene Kim, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pragmatism 
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Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Still, some pragmatism was required before embarking on the journey.
—Francine Uenuma, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
Furthermore, cultivating this discipline within your team can create a resilient business culture that thrives on both creativity and pragmatism.
—Hao Lam, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
What emerged from all that was a distinctive handbag—one that emphasizes the dualities of pragmatism and poetry, masculine and feminine, that form the through line in his work.
—Irene Kim, Vogue, 15 Sep. 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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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