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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of purposeful
Domingo and Fey get snarky, a clever visual gag earns a surprise laugh, the dialogue is sharper than usual, and the main pairings get jumbled up with purposeful, delightful results.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 May 2026
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
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
-
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
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But this new proposal adds a new behavior into the mix, by suggesting this wasn’t a passive act, but deliberate.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
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The General Command also condemned the attacks, arguing that the deliberate use of missiles and drones against civilians and private property constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Is Nikki possessed by an evil, demonic version of herself intent on punishing Bear for his mistake?—
Emma Stefansky,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
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However, while others like the the Line and Mukaab have seen their ambitions reduced or been cancelled altogether, JEC Tower is now firmly on track after years of delays, and Saudi authorities seem intent on realizing the project's ambitious vision.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
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But is this really a viable check on a determined president willing to fire and replace anyone standing in his or her way?—
Steven Andreasen,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
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Despite these obstacles, single women are determined to achieve their goal of homeownership and continue to be a driving force in the market.—
Kathy Collins,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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That distinction helps explain why federal agencies appear willing to collaborate with AI developers through voluntary testing programs while simultaneously maintaining detailed compliance frameworks for crypto firms.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Another approach to cutting down the workforce is voluntary layoffs, a move that rewards loyal workers.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
The difference between these behaviors is subtle but decisive.—
Mustafa Abdelmonem,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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The new goal is to stay decisive, emotionally regulated, creative, and mentally quick in a world that seems to accelerate exponentially.—
Melinda Fulmer,
Robb Report,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The New York Times later confirmed that reporting through more anonymous US officials, including one official who said US military investigators were still evaluating whether the Iranian drone strike on the helicopter was intentional or accidental.—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
10 June 2026
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The Hoffman family has filed a lawsuit against Boelter, which accuses him of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and negligence per se, according to the civil complaint.—
Riley Moser,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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