a means to an end
noun phrase
: something done only to produce a desired result
Computers have always been a means to an end for [George] Lucas: telling stories.—
David A. Kaplan
David A. KaplanExamples of a means to an end in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The big picture: Lisa Shah's interest in AI started purely as a means to an end.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024
Power for Mugabe was not a means to an end but the end itself.
—Martin Meredith, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018
However, for ambitious tech entrepreneurs and investors, the bigger opportunity may lie in using software as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
For them, a new situation is a learning opportunity, not necessarily a means to an end.
—Anthony Fredericks, Contributor, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a means to an end 
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Megan Morrone, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024
Power for Mugabe was not a means to an end but the end itself.
—Martin Meredith, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018
However, for ambitious tech entrepreneurs and investors, the bigger opportunity may lie in using software as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
For them, a new situation is a learning opportunity, not necessarily a means to an end.
—Anthony Fredericks, Contributor, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a means to an end
Dictionary Entries Near a means to an end
Cite this Entry
“A means to an end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20means%20to%20an%20end. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
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