purposeful

adjective

ˈpər-pəs-fəl How to pronounce purposeful (audio)
Definition of purposefulnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of purposeful Since the spa soft-opened in January 2024, the team has aimed to maintain a cozy, eclectic ambiance and intentionally infuse homey touches in the space—from the small library of books in the lounge to the purposeful capacity limitations that ensure intimacy is protected. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026 Outdoor design has never been more personal—or purposeful. — Bridget Moriarity, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026 Every single day, millions of people in this country wake up doing their very best to live decent and purposeful lives. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The collection made the wait feel almost purposeful, as if absence sharpened the duo’s already exacting vision. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeful
  1. resolute
  2. deliberate
  3. intent
  4. conscious
  5. determined
  6. voluntary
  7. decisive
  8. intentional
Adjective
  • His desire to run in behind and carry the ball at speed was most impressive against Panama, something that England can use to test more resolute defensive sides, as well as those who will leave spaces in behind to attack.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • The design is open and clean, with a deliberate choice to draw the surrounding scenery deep into the interior of the home.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Prosecutors call Hearn’s actions a deliberate, violent act causing more than $1,000 in damage, and his attorneys denounce the case as an alarming misuse of government power.
    — Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • Amid this growth, banks continue to spend enormous sums to protect the savings of their customers from all manner of fraudsters intent on devising ways to separate Americans from their savings.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • If Stevens wants to return Michigan Democrats to their roots, El-Sayed is intent on taking his party—in Michigan and beyond—in a new and radically different direction.
    — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Definition of intent
Adjective
  • As fresh visual information reaches the brain, these models are updated almost instantaneously, allowing movements to be adjusted before conscious awareness has caught up.
    — Michelle Spear, Scientific American, 11 July 2026
  • Budget-conscious users may find PocketGuard's free version too restrictive.
    — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Machado remains determined to restart the push for free elections.
    — John Otis, NPR, 16 July 2026
  • On the few occasions Mbappe was able to get into the box, the Real Madrid striker was swarmed by multiple defenders as Spain was determined to make anybody else defeat them.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Jurors will decide whether Payton and Martin are guilty of second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter in the women’s deaths; or if they will be found innocent of criminal charges out of self-defense.
    — Darrell Smith July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The Defense Department will test the testosterone levels of service members 30 and older, and offer voluntary testosterone replacement therapy to those with low testosterone levels, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.
    — Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • However, Korotaev leans on the side of doubting any decisive impact from Fedorov.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
  • The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Mestemaker was a fearless, decisive thrower last year in North Texas’ Air Raid system.
    — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • What could be an intentional last chapter may instead become a roller coaster of hospitalizations and decisions made with incomplete information.
    — Jane Callahan, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of intentional

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purposed
purposeful
purposefully
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Cite this Entry

“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of purposeful for Spanish Speakers

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