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
Dunks simply were a means to an end — get the ball in the basket as efficiently and emphatically as possible.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Beyond the question raised by the exclusive nature of measuring intelligence through an economic indicator, is this metric a means to an end, or an end in itself?
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
For Dolan, the HBO experiment was largely a means to an end.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
The Prussian military strategist Carl von Clausewitz stressed that war is a means to an end—the continuation of politics by other means.
—Melissa M. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2019
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Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Beyond the question raised by the exclusive nature of measuring intelligence through an economic indicator, is this metric a means to an end, or an end in itself?
—Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
For Dolan, the HBO experiment was largely a means to an end.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
The Prussian military strategist Carl von Clausewitz stressed that war is a means to an end—the continuation of politics by other means.
—Melissa M. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2019
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 30 Jan. 2025.
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