purposely

adverb

pur·​pose·​ly ˈpər-pəs-lē 

: with a deliberate or express purpose

Synonyms of purposely

• intentionally
• deliberately

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

It was purposely drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission to be the most competitive in Colorado — and the most heavily Latino. — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026

It was covered in ash, as if it had been washed, dried, then purposely covered in soot. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

The Next Chapters Bookhouse was purposely named to reflect the couple’s new chapter together. — Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

According to Ukrzaliznytsia, a diplomatic train carrying Boris Johnson, Carl Bildt and security advisers from several European Union states had purposely left the station at Yahodyn ahead of schedule. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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