-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Synonyms
Examples of purposely in a Sentence
the real estate agent purposely withheld information that would have discouraged us from buying the property
Recent Examples on the Web
Isaac’s voice is dreamy and raw, purposely relaxed while remaining powerful.
—Amanda Peukert, SPIN, 5 Sep. 2024
Hurley adds that she's purposely shied away from speaking about her cancer publicly, choosing instead to stay strong, and silent.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
Despite Trump’s suggestion that Harris and President Joe Biden purposely avoided Arlington, an unnamed White House official and a Harris aide told NBC News neither Harris nor Biden were invited to commemorate the third anniversary of the attack by the families of service members killed.
—Sara Dorn, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
There is a long-running academic debate over whether self-serving corporate interests purposely killed LA’s streetcar system.
—Jay L. Zagorsky, WIRED, 24 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for purposely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'purposely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of purposely was
in the 15th century
Articles Related to purposely
Dictionary Entries Near purposely
Cite this Entry
“Purposely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposely. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
purposely
adverb
pur·pose·ly
ˈpər-pəs-lē
: with a clear or known purpose
Legal Definition
purposely
adverb
pur·pose·ly
: with a deliberate, conscious, or express purpose : intentionally
More from Merriam-Webster on purposely
Nglish: Translation of purposely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of purposely for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share