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

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

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

Applying The Spirit Of The Interactive Process The ADA’s interactive process is rooted in purposeful communication. —Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Some of the best storylines and gameplay have come from Heroes vs. Villains, Fans vs. Favorites, and David vs. Goliath, each with casting that felt purposeful. —Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 9 June 2025

Others believe the show of force was an escalation of previous immigration enforcement operations in San Diego, and part of a purposeful effort by the Trump administration to send a warning to undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. —Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 9 June 2025

While future films would be tighter and more purposeful, none would make room for a beautiful detour like Dignan and Anthony holed up at a motel, where Anthony nurses a wordless bond with a Spanish-speaking maid. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1