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
  • The Federal Reserve may remain a special case Howe said the court appeared intent on preserving the Federal Reserve's independence.
    — Steve Inskeep, NPR, 30 June 2026
  • The chief intent officer would serve as the steward of organizational intent.
    — Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of intent
Adjective
  • Factor meals are made with health-conscious ingredients that can cater to your dietary needs, ranging from Keto to vegan and beyond.
    — Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • As an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Howard is conscious of what his appearance at The Open could mean to younger people living with the condition and to their families.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • Plus, Scott has invested in climate action, donating $90 million to the Forests, People, Climate (FPC) collaborative determined to end tropical deforestation.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • But Loftis is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • With that mechanism scaled back, the credibility of voluntary disclosure now rests on the quality of what sits underneath it.
    — Joel Carboni, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Microsoft in April offered voluntary retirement to 7% of its US staff and said on Monday that more than 30% of eligible employees chose to participate.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • Saibari scored in each of Morocco’s three group games and struck the decisive penalty in the shootout win over the Netherlands.
    — Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • Veterinarians are trained to be decisive and efficient, and the instinct in a tense moment is almost always to reach for a fix the moment a client shows distress.
    — Kwame Christian Esq, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of decisive
Adjective
  • The more intentional your choices, the more high-end your bathroom will feel.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
  • Ronaldo’s elbow looked far more intentional, and egregious, than Balogun’s play that happened in the context of a player battling for a ball against an opponent with his foot.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of intentional

Browse Nearby Words

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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of purposeful for Spanish Speakers

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