purpose 1 of 2

purpose

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun purpose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of purpose are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and object. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Where would aim be a reasonable alternative to purpose?

The meanings of aim and purpose largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When would design be a good substitute for purpose?

While the synonyms design and purpose are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When might end be a better fit than purpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to purpose, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When can goal be used instead of purpose?

In some situations, the words goal and purpose are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is intent a more appropriate choice than purpose?

The words intent and purpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When is it sensible to use intention instead of purpose?

Although the words intention and purpose have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of purpose?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of purpose?

The synonyms objective and purpose are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of purpose
Noun
There’s a sense of purpose now for me that wasn’t there before. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 8 July 2025 Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs. Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025 And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category. Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Our goals are to return to holding youth accountable for their actions while simultaneously providing them with the necessary resources and programming to get them back on track for success.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to their other tasks, house cleaners will arrange little items like these neatly.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
  • Unlike the predictable drawers that pull out, this style slides out to the side, so pulling out paper clips feels more like an event than a rudimentary task.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Recalibrate and communicate benefits around employee needs and value – Over the next three years according to the new survey, more than half (57%) of employers plan to reallocate or rebalance their benefit spending, adding or enhancing some benefits while reducing or removing others.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In especially timely news, Wintour announced last week her plans to down as American Vogue’s editor-in-chief after 37 years.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • For them, the aim is not to hinder the use of AI, but to provide a voice for their members who want a seat at the table and an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with employers to ensure that AI use supports rather than harms employees.
    Oludolapo Makinde, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Diesel has been synonymous with Fast and Furious, given his role as Dominic Toretto in the series that began as a street racing movie in 2001.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Consistency: Standards must apply equally across roles, teams, and time.
    David Ferrucci, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Basically, the administration intends to fix the budget shortfall by using a soft-hand approach with hiring, personnel and operational matters.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Each job brought a new environment with different obstacles and new problems to solve.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • Epperson graduated from Berea High School and Ohio University and had jobs at WEWS and WUAB-TV around a 1966-69 tour with the U.S. Army.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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