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purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl How to pronounce purposeful (audio)
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.
The natural oak shows off its grain, and the simple plank-style base keeps the whole piece looking clean and purposeful. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025 Aimed primarily at the American market, the J2 showcased bodywork that had a burly, purposeful look, with cycle-style front fenders and nothing in the way of creature comforts. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025 Strengthen ties with family and friends Make the holiday social, active and purposeful. Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025 Let your passion be purposeful. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 20 Nov. 2025 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 2 Dec. 2025.

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