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

The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club brings together a passion for gardening with education, community connection, and purposeful giving. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

July 23 – August 22 Playful sparks are mingling with purposeful focus now. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026

Thriving means to live a fulfilling, purposeful and satisfying life, despite its challenges. —Helen Dennis, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026

For his first two seasons, Buzelis worked with the team medical staff to sneak extra calories into his day through shakes and protein bars and prolific, purposeful snacking. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1