purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms of purposeful

• resolute
• intent
• determined
• decisive
• positive
• confident

Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator

there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth

Recent Examples on the Web

The resort brings Conrad’s brand promise to life through purposeful exploration, modern design, and an intuitive connection to its surroundings, offering guests a stay that feels both expansive and unmistakably of Punta de Mita. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026

The author developed this approach after experiencing burnout and a car accident, realizing that even purposeful effort can be excessive, necessitating a deliberate method to remove unnecessary elements from one's life and work. — Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

But the friends also recalled chance — or more purposeful — encounters in the years since. — Ben Paviour august 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Was that purposeful on your part, to try to show the other side? — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1