1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purposeful
While that show was only a decade ago, finding such a specific 2010s piece was clearly intentional and purposeful.
—
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 May 2026
There’s a very purposeful ambiguity there.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
From that point on, every pedal felt more purposeful and driven.
—Brian Lamar, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Its value just continues to be purposeful.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 May 2026
There’s a very purposeful ambiguity there.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
From that point on, every pedal felt more purposeful and driven.
—Brian Lamar, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Its value just continues to be purposeful.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeful
Adjective
-
Forced to confront this web of lies, Kanan faced an existential crisis of self-discovery and emerged stronger and more resolute than ever.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
19 May 2026
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And Chinese media highlighted Beijing’s resolute stance on American priorities — from trade to the Iran war — as evidence of Chinese confidence and American decline.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Smith said this was the result of deliberate strategy by the museum.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2026
-
Cargill dictated a slow, deliberate pace.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
If a bear appears intent on approaching you, your group, or your campsite in a non-defensive manner (not showing signs of agitation), gather your group together, make noise, and try to discourage the bear from further approaching.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
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Right from the very spelling of its name, Thrive Causemetics—Causemetics, not Cosmetics—is intent on doing it differently.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The supply and demand parameters have to be adjusted to a conscious mean.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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Retailers must now react quickly to cost-conscious shoppers and invest in technology to prepare for a new reality where the line between politics and retail is becoming increasingly blurred, Minkow said.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
None of those cases involve passengers from the United States; one potential case was later determined to be negative following additional testing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2026
-
Lee Hong-nae plays Yoon Dong-hyeon, the stubborn and hot-headed military chef who is determined to get out as soon as his military service is up.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Elsewhere in the region, local governments say enforcement has so far focused on education and voluntary compliance than punishment.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Russell pleaded guilty in 2022 to a state charge of voluntary manslaughter.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Pérez argues that intelligence penetration was decisive in Venezuela and believes similar efforts would almost certainly precede any Cuba operation.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune and members of the Republican establishment are now beginning to build bridges with Paxton in the wake of his decisive victory, Axios reports.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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The introduction of Diamond Reserve reaffirms Hilton Honors’ commitment to recognizing loyalty at every level, elevating the experience for its most frequent guests through a more refined and intentional approach.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
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With Tuesday’s primary settled, a new head-to-head race for Pelosi’s seat begins — one that, given her endorsement of Chan and Wiener’s intentional focus on pulling San Francisco in a new direction, will be an even clearer referendum on her influence.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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