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

For me, that question leads directly to belonging and to whether our systems help people feel seen, connected, purposeful, and able to shape the conditions of their own lives. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

And Zelensky began the slow, purposeful task of reversing course, with a series of public meetings with top military commanders – a sounding board, and auditions for a post that Syrskyi had clearly already lost. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Silent and purposeful, the pelicans cut through a raucous chaos of gulls at the end of the wharf and glided on into the marsh. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

By thinking like an interior designer instead of a landscaper, Shavonda Gardner transformed an expansive backyard into a collection of purposeful outdoor rooms. — Stephen Orr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1