1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purposeful
Hers is a purposeful language, one that looks not just with attention but with sensual intention, and though awestruck, seeks to hold, even briefly, the unknowns of the energies that make any life.
—
Natalie Diaz
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Regular and purposeful improvements have been a constant factor in the life of LIGO, which consists of two detectors in Washington and Louisiana that can now measure distortions in spacetime that are 1/10,000 the width of a proton, or 700 trillion times smaller than the width of a human hair.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This is a great time to introduce self-care rituals that feel both playful and purposeful.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
His unimaginable situation leaves him with no obvious path forward — a purposeful choice by Ingelsby for a character who’s literally trained in trauma recovery.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Natalie Diaz
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Regular and purposeful improvements have been a constant factor in the life of LIGO, which consists of two detectors in Washington and Louisiana that can now measure distortions in spacetime that are 1/10,000 the width of a proton, or 700 trillion times smaller than the width of a human hair.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
This is a great time to introduce self-care rituals that feel both playful and purposeful.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
His unimaginable situation leaves him with no obvious path forward — a purposeful choice by Ingelsby for a character who’s literally trained in trauma recovery.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeful
Adjective
-
The defence remains resolute, having allowed just 12 goals in 18 games across all competitions.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Since that summer, the artist programs continued to evolve and grow while always remaining true to Bob’s resolute intention.—
Michelle Satter,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Now, faced with deliberate racial gerrymandering in other states and unchecked executive overreach at home, California must respond with equal determination.—
Trena Turner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Singer-songwriter Baby Rose stepped into a suite of Nina Simone songs, her voice—smoky, deliberate—pouring into the choreography.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Her acting roots remain visible, but KIPS is the work of a producer and architect—someone intent on shaping a platform rather than waiting for a script.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
30 Sep. 2025
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But does that really apply to Gabriel if the Browns are intent on taking another quarterback next year, anyway?—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The resulting formula is a gentle and effective cleanser with a host of benefits that have its eco-friendly suds making a splash within the beauty and environmentally-conscious household cleaning spaces alike.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
-
This hotel, which appeals to budget-conscious travelers with its free aquarium and mermaid show, offers free self-parking and valet parking.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
After Europe claimed the Cup in Rome in 2023, Team USA is determined to reclaim it on home soil.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
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But things start to unravel when Abbie and Leila become determined to break free from the facility.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
What to Know Several companies have issued voluntary recalls of shrimp products suspected of possible Cs-137 contamination.—
Matt Cannon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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What’s desperately needed, Sisti said, are comprehensive investments in mental health — Housing First programs, funding to build up a mental health care workforce, and an easily accessible and coordinated system of voluntary treatment that prevents people from deteriorating on the streets.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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While economic influence and diplomacy shape a country’s role in the world, the ability to defend its borders and project force abroad remains a decisive factor in global affairs.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The Padres went with Robert Suarez, another stud right-hander, for the final four outs in the 3-0 victory that brings this postseason bout to a decisive Game 3 on Thursday in Chicago.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike traditional western spas that tend to be more individualized, Jjimjibangs are a space where friends and family come together for intentional wellness.—
Essence,
Essence,
26 Sep. 2025
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Open layouts, chef’s kitchens with top-tier appliances, wine cellars, and thoughtful detailing make every space feel intentional yet effortless.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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