nonpurposive

adjective

Definition of nonpurposivenext
as in nondeliberate

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonpurposive
  1. unintentional
  2. random
  3. haphazard
  4. inadvertent
Adjective
  • The band’s inscrutable lyrics and ramshackle approach make for songs that feel like unintentional and effortless anthems, rock ’n’ roll castoffs that catalyzed new possibilities.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026
  • During a later interview with Boise police detectives, Young admitted to firing the gun but said the shooting was unintentional, prosecutors said.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of unintentional
Adjective
  • And that’s a random sample of years and all 32 teams involved.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Following the course of this ship right now is definitely random, but interesting.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of random
Adjective
  • After that, Grace all but disappears from Crystal Lake, exposing the haphazard plotting of a show that refuses to commit.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Violent crime, once almost unknown on the island, is rising sharply—another sign of the state’s haphazard retreat.
    — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of haphazard
Adjective
  • The referees did not signal a touchdown, had a discussion and ruled an inadvertent whistle.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The proposal would also establish that technical errors or inadvertent mistakes in the process cannot be a basis to stop the project.
    — Digital Producer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of inadvertent
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.

Browse Nearby Words

nonpunitive
nonpurposive
nonrandom
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Cite this Entry

“Nonpurposive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonpurposive. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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