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
Trade, particularly among furs, was a means to an end for an explorer seeking funding.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024
Trump does not see tariffs as a means to an end, that is, as a negotiating tool.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
What policymakers need to remember is that GDP is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
—Abhijit V. Banerjee, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2019
The big picture: Lisa Shah's interest in AI started purely as a means to an end.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for a means to an end 
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.
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024
Trump does not see tariffs as a means to an end, that is, as a negotiating tool.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
What policymakers need to remember is that GDP is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
—Abhijit V. Banerjee, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2019
The big picture: Lisa Shah's interest in AI started purely as a means to an end.
—Megan Morrone, Axios, 25 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 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share