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
Plus, the updo is perfect for a rainy day—any potential frizz and flyaways may even seem purposeful.
—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Blunt thinks that ambiguity is completely purposeful.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Julia Ruttner is the co-founder of Salt + Ruttner Communications, helping brands and leaders drive growth through purposeful storytelling.
—
Julia Ruttner,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
That’s obviously a purposeful decision.
—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Blunt thinks that ambiguity is completely purposeful.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Julia Ruttner is the co-founder of Salt + Ruttner Communications, helping brands and leaders drive growth through purposeful storytelling.
—
Julia Ruttner,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
That’s obviously a purposeful decision.
—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeful
Adjective
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Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production.
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As resolute as Tortorella remained afterward, the Hurricanes were confident the decision would turn out in their favor.
Adjective
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Another telling detail was that the fungi in the surrounding dirt didn’t match the species that chose to bond with the moss, suggesting a deliberate relationship was present.
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On the film’s romantic dimension, the director was equally deliberate.
Adjective
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Yet, Rob-Will walked out of rehab, and is intent on thwarting the ceremonial ranch handover to heir-apparent Joaquin.
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Gaetz was the chief agitator among a group of six far-right Republicans intent on keeping McCarthy from the gavel.
Adjective
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However, for the health-conscious, unsweetened ice tea is just as flavorful.
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But since the 1990s, the Tartan Army has made a conscious effort to reshape its image.
Adjective
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If Socrates is the intellectual hero of the ancient world, and Jesus the spiritual hero, Odysseus—hardened, brutal, grief-struck, determined to reclaim his home—is the human hero, the whole man.
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Pilots will stop at nine pre-determined airports in between the start and finish line with stops in Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Wisconsin.
Adjective
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The total number of children agreeing to voluntary departure has increased sevenfold, the Vera Institute of Justice found.
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In Europe, these voluntary reports focused on environmental and human rights issues.
Adjective
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The holiday marked the 205th anniversary of the 1821 Battle of Carabobo, which brought Venezuela a decisive victory over Spanish royalist forces.
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The Russian president also anticipated a quick, decisive victory.
Adjective
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If anything, the dichotomy between the pop star who prances around Versailles in a sheer nightie and the pop star who stomps onstage in knee-high combat boots feels completely authentic and intentional.
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Was that an intentional choice throughout the season?
Cite this Entry
“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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