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

Four round headlights give the little Fiat a surprisingly purposeful front fascia, while the wider stance gives it a whole lot more road presence. — New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Leaders should notice who is drifting to the edges, hold check-ins that go beyond tasks, design meetings so that every voice can be heard and create purposeful opportunities for people to work and reflect together. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Even if your entry isn’t separated by walls or doors, adding something tall and eye-catching makes the space feel more welcoming and purposeful. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

Others see the magnification of extinction worries as a purposeful distraction from immediate, real-world AI harms. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1