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.
Activities that feel interesting or purposeful can bring your energy back by reengaging your attention and motivation in a meaningful way. Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026 Others couldn’t get over how purposeful her journey seemed. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 When strategy is market-driven, compensation planning becomes infinitely more purposeful. Matt Emma, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2026 Wesp said raising awareness about domestic violence homicide is both painful and purposeful. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 2026.

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