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
Empowered by his newfound zen, Peter and his friends reckon with their purpose at work, and the daily grind of climbing the corporate ladder. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 The Phillies spent $308 million for luxury tax purposes on players this season, fourth in MLB, and again may fall short of winning it all under Thomson. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Licensed psychological care serves a distinct purpose and adheres to a higher standard. Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, Time, 8 Oct. 2025 Even small rooms need to serve multiple purposes. Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After a recent Rangers’ preseason game, Sullivan was shown a video clip of the goal.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • What makes the task ahead even more daunting is that the Aces know not to be complacent.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • No more staring at 50 tasks and trying to prioritize.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following the success, Google may be planning to integrate the image model into some of its other apps and services.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The team plans to expand the research to evaluate inhaler emissions in specific patient groups, such as Medicaid recipients, and to compare clinical outcomes of low- and high-emission inhalers in the same therapeutic class.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those designing the new main building decided to cut that association, the aim being to make the first-team facilities an area players must aspire to enter.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The aim is to gather intelligence through photos, video and logging suspicious vessels in the East China Sea to be shared with the United Nations' Enforcement Coordination Cell.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Wednesday, Trotz claimed forward Tyson Jost off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, but Evangelista also is expected to fill a key middle-of-the-lineup role for Nashville.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Vought, who helped write the policy blueprint known as Project 2025, is playing a major role during the shutdown, including on decisions over whether there are mass layoffs of federal employees instead of furloughs and what funding is cut and what is allowed to flow.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These are not intended for prolonged play and may break.
    Chris McMullen, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s a candle that’s an especially great gift, especially if it’s intended for someone who feels affectionately for Maison Balzac’s cartoonish glassware.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your intention may be to transition your closet from winter to spring this weekend.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Under Wood, Sacramento State has made their intentions clear to elevate their football program from the second-tier FCS to top-tier FBS.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The rankings were determined by various factors such as crime rates, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, health statistics and local amenities, including access to bars and restaurants, according to Niche.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Some employers like Google, Microsoft, and EY have all offered high-level jobs to applicants without degrees, focusing on work experience and special credentialing.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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