purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl How to pronounce purposeful (audio)
Synonyms of purposefulnext
1
: having a purpose: such as
a
: meaningful
purposeful activities
b
: intentional
purposeful ambiguity
2
: full of determination
was soft-spoken but purposeful
purposefully adverb
purposefulness noun

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
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.
With a bit of creativity and intention, even the most puzzling spots can become purposeful design moments. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 Today, amenities lean more purposeful across the country and in Dallas. Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026 She was measured and purposeful—every word landing like it had been considered long before the interview began. Essence, 4 Mar. 2026 Details are precise, purposeful, and restrained. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purposeful

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purposeful was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposeful. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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