1
as in intentionally
with full awareness of what one is doing
he purposefully chose the more difficult route to the mountain summit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hard
with great effort or determination
strode purposefully into the boss's office, determined to ask for a raise
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of purposefully
The creators purposefully chose not to over-index on Sophie’s Korean identity.
—
Kat Moon, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
The visual language toggles purposefully between wide shots and tight close-ups, mirroring Harry’s ability to survey a room and zero in on his take with surgical precision.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
Prior to High School Musical, the original films that debuted on the channel were purposefully low budget, often cast unknowns or were essentially two hour long episodes for existing shows.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2026
The panel found that armed assaults can be committed recklessly, meaning the defendant should have known the act carried a risk of danger, not just purposefully, meaning the defendant intended to harm the victim.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
So the writer-director finally decided to purposefully deliver on that sentiment, and the result is the Ben Affleck–Matt Damon Netflix chart-topper, The Rip.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The driver’s side ICE agent moved forcefully, purposefully and threateningly toward her vehicle, attempting to force open her driver’s door.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The company cycles its staffers through industries, geographies, and departments, purposefully putting them out of their comfort zone.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
Kat Moon, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
The visual language toggles purposefully between wide shots and tight close-ups, mirroring Harry’s ability to survey a room and zero in on his take with surgical precision.
—Beandrea July, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026
Prior to High School Musical, the original films that debuted on the channel were purposefully low budget, often cast unknowns or were essentially two hour long episodes for existing shows.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2026
The panel found that armed assaults can be committed recklessly, meaning the defendant should have known the act carried a risk of danger, not just purposefully, meaning the defendant intended to harm the victim.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
So the writer-director finally decided to purposefully deliver on that sentiment, and the result is the Ben Affleck–Matt Damon Netflix chart-topper, The Rip.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Jan. 2026
One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The driver’s side ICE agent moved forcefully, purposefully and threateningly toward her vehicle, attempting to force open her driver’s door.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2026
The company cycles its staffers through industries, geographies, and departments, purposefully putting them out of their comfort zone.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposefully
Adverb
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The list intentionally avoids being overly banker-centric or academic, reflecting more how M&A is experienced by leaders and employees through the life-cycle of a transaction.—
Jennifer J. Fondrevay,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Gen Z is leading the trend, with 63% intentionally unplugging — the highest rate of any generation.—
Avery Newmark,
AJC.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The previously slumping Geekie scored two goals, including the game-winner late in the third period, a shot that was hammered so hard that no one saw the puck go in the net, until Geekie raced down and pointed to where the puck was lodged.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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That history is why Van's post-UFC 324 trolling hits so hard.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Several right-wing social media figures and conservative commentators have also shared the video and suggested that Pretti was not an innocent bystander, but rather someone who was deliberately seeking confrontation.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The actions of Canadian coach Joe Cecchini and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton were intentional and deliberately aimed at reducing the points available.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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This selective approach came after years of working intensively to support her two sons as a single mother.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
7 Dec. 2025
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So important are Rubicon units that the Ukrainian security services are now intensively searching out their forward bases.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
22 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Kiyan purposely keeps his circle small.—
Lindsay Schnell,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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Arizona state law mandates drivers can't purposely bypass going through a stop sign or stoplight, according to ARS 28-651.—
Shelby Slade,
AZCentral.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Detectives are working diligently to solve this case.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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With its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, China is working diligently to move away from fossil fuels toward non-carbon-emitting energy sources.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Andre Agassi would practice super intensely, but for short periods.—
Patrick McEnroe,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Such span, such intensely thoughtful ways of looking at craft.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Braddy intently stared at Rifkin during opening arguments.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
20 Jan. 2026
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The sentencing came after 10 people, including Smith's wife and father, read their statements addressing Jones, who would shift from listening intently to looking down and appearing disassociated.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purposefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposefully. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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