purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms of purposeful

• resolute
• intent
• determined
• decisive
• positive
• confident

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

Consensual, purposeful data outperforms scraped noise every time—because users who willingly share offer better, more accurate information than those who've been tricked into doing so. — Mani Padisetti, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

This distinction between passive consumption and purposeful use is increasingly shaping school policy. — Janice Mak, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

With purposeful application, this kitchen ingredient can become essential for supporting your tomatoes. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

And Zelensky began the slow, purposeful task of reversing course, with a series of public meetings with top military commanders – a sounding board, and auditions for a post that Syrskyi had clearly already lost. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1