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

Targeting that demographic is purposeful, said Rios. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026

Prioritizing purposeful spending over impulse purchases preserves capital for what truly matters while fostering a sense of control and satisfaction. —Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

As with the rest of the hotel, everything in-room is purposeful and considered, from the art (not just prints, but integrated sculptures and ceramics) to the generous bathrooms, with titanic tubs and rainfall showers. —Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Season 10 signals a purposeful return to the saga’s core, focusing on drug lord Aurelio Casillas as a man capable of dominating the world but incapable of mastering himself. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1