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
The company reportedly changed its corporate purpose from real estate to maritime transfer of people and goods, according to Euro News, which noted that Abu Kashk took charge of the organization days before the GSF’s departure. Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 That such a festival has maintained its vision, community, and purpose more than a decade after Ebert’s death is a minor miracle. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025 However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 1 Oct. 2025 Millennia later, Austrian ethologist Karl von Frisch discovered the movement’s purpose. Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • When asked about whether as many as 300,000 workers could lose their jobs, Vought emphasized the administration’s broader goal of shrinking Washington’s reach.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With a clearer picture of cash flow, an advisor can make investing recommendations based on your goals, risk tolerance and timeline.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Other tasks and other jobs changed, which enabled us to create new jobs that paid more and have fewer of the older jobs that went away.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • This is another excellent Monday activity—and Wilson offers a hack for making this task a little more enjoyable.
    Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2025, there's a lot more open space and outdoor activities than what would have been planned before the pandemic.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Griffith decided to proceed to trial as planned.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The program, which was rolled out on Wednesday with the aim of attracting foreign professionals, will also test how China balances its immigration policy with its pursuit of technological ambitions.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The aim at Anfield was always success but small progressions would have been accepted, considering Liverpool had been only the fourth-best team in the Premier League under his predecessor Gerard Houllier.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Kirk played a pivotal role in helping Republicans close the gap among young voters in 2024.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Both completions were to Akeed Ali, who briefly moved into the quarterback role late in the game, as did Logan Tretter.
    Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The proposal of a drone wall, which is particularly supported by Baltic and Eastern European states, is intended as both a deterrence and defensive barrier, as well as a way to pool resources to bolster Europe’s collective defense.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The outcome will help define the limits of executive discretion over funds Congress intended to be risk-based and politically neutral, with broad implications for federal-state relations and public safety.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The page informs interested parties of the club’s intentions before asking for email addresses.
    Christopher Tremoglie, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Hamad’s comments underlined how far that demand is from the group’s intentions.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your entire life is tied to your job.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Some have said the move could have a positive impact on job opportunities.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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