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

Leo Rising April is a big travel month for you, and the energy surrounding it is purposeful rather than leisurely. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

There’s no romantic chemistry between Rogali and White, but that may be purposeful. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

The hard part is getting cells in a dish to do anything purposeful. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026

Springsteen hinted that the set lists for the upcoming shows will be purposeful and meet the moment at a time when many Americans are struggling to put food on the table as gas and commodities prices spike due to Trump’s now monthlong war in Iran. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1