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
Lever 3, Stewardship of Resources, focuses on aligning facilities and resources to support an extraordinary school experience, while Lever 4, Design Influence, emphasizes the role of purposeful learning environments in shaping student interaction, engagement, and meaningful learning.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Chef Gerardo Gonzalez, formerly of El Rey and Lalito in New York City, revamped the culinary program at The Ranch to reflect a broader move toward personalization while remaining wellness-focused and purposeful.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
Nothing flashy, but all purposeful.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Her illustrations stand out for their expressive linework and their purposeful storytelling, and her use of color is especially impressive.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Chef Gerardo Gonzalez, formerly of El Rey and Lalito in New York City, revamped the culinary program at The Ranch to reflect a broader move toward personalization while remaining wellness-focused and purposeful.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026
Nothing flashy, but all purposeful.
—Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Her illustrations stand out for their expressive linework and their purposeful storytelling, and her use of color is especially impressive.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purposeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeful
Adjective
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So far this season, Arsenal have appeared resolute in their bid to last the distance.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Baking director Peter Edris is a 27-year baker who leads the kitchen in a calm but resolute manner.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Horned Frogs can play fast in spurts, but typically TCU uses a more deliberate pace on offense, using multiple ball screens to create the right look for Miles or her teammates.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Leo moon supports your deliberate withdrawal.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The test probably indicates Kim is intent on enlarging and modernizing an arsenal of missiles capable of reaching the United States mainland.—
Hyung-Jin Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The test likely indicates Kim is intent on enlarging and modernizing an arsenal of missiles capable of reaching the United States mainland.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In an increasingly health-conscious market, another holistic restaurant is making its way to the KC metro area.—
Jenna Thompson
March 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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Police say the incident highlights the dangers of relying on driver-assist technology, noting those features are not a substitute for being conscious, alert and sober behind the wheel.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
It was later determined that those two residents were not at home at the time of the fire, Pittsburgh Public Safety confirmed.—
Garrett Behanna,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Yet Americans remained determined, patient, and optimistic — committed to defeating evil.—
Gil Troy,
New York Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Similar, disappointing results were found more recently in a 2022 Vanderbilt study of Tennessee’s voluntary pre-K program.—
Abby McCloskey,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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This leaves due diligence up to mostly voluntary investigation process, leaving environmental and human rights risks upstream insufficiently monitored.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Analysts say his decisive mandate could give him room to pursue reforms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Half-winger, pure showman, Hazard would not always contribute a decisive goal or assist for Chelsea.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Ultimately, Turner says, young people are resilient — their brains are still growing — and intentional parenting goes a long way toward offsetting the effects of digital devices and social media.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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That framing, whether intentional or not, is disrespectful, dismissive and demeaning.—
Terri Freeman,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeful. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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