PURPOSELESS Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

purposeless

adjective

Definition of purposeless

as in aimless

having or seeming to have no purpose or reason I have to go to another purposeless meeting tonight. purposeless suffering

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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 purposeless Religion gives meaning to human lives, which otherwise can feel purposeless. — WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021 In How To Do Nothing, Jenny Odell talks about how the pursuit of productivity — driven by capitalism, competition, and consumption — has redirected our attention outward, leaving us feeling empty and purposeless. — refinery29.com, 7 Sep. 2021 Although gender is effectively purposeless—if not irrelevant—in gaming, my brothers reflected society's obsession with forcing others to choose between pink or blue. — Jamie Valentino, Wired, 22 June 2021 These protests are nearly all disingenuous, false and specious, and meant to utilize fear to continue a tragic and purposeless war. — Matthew Hoh, CNN, 17 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for purposeless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposeless

Adjective

In any case, the burgeoning Cruz-Josie relationship should make for a welcome change-up in relationship drama from the endless and, at this point, aimless Joe-Neal domestic saga.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2026
In the new biopic Tony, the 19-year-old New Jersey native is aimless, directionless, hoping to woo a girl.

— Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of aimless

Adjective

Jared Sternberg, founder of Gondwana Ecotours, argues that comparing Alaska to Phoenix is meaningless.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Sure, Thursday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame game between the Panthers and Arizona Cardinals was nothing more than a meaningless exhibition in which few, if any, actual starters played.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of meaningless

Adjective

However, industry leaders caution against haphazard AI adoption, emphasizing that strategic, disciplined implementation is crucial to avoid significant financial pitfalls.

— Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Communication with employees about the requirement to move to new offices has been haphazard, workers at six agencies said.

— Chiara Eisner, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of haphazard

Adjective

Many higher education institutions have started offering classes focused on the burgeoning content creation industry over the past couple years, and several have certificate or minor programs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
On Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two identical incidents of drone strikes on tankers in Hormuz a day earlier, causing minor damage but no casualties.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

The opening of an Auberge Collection property in the little town of Los Olivos is further proof of the area's status as a preeminent New World wine destination.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
So far, none of those efforts has been successful, and opponents say hunting would do little to address the most problematic bears that tend to live closer to residential neighborhoods.

— John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of little

Adjective

Even the useless adults of The Shards would surely act quickly to arrest Robert with this much evidence.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Talarico calls Big Bend border wall 'useless' Democratic candidate James Talarico reacted to images of bulldozers at Big Bend in an X post.

— Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of useless

Adjective

Nashville was a slight favorite at kickoff, but Miami fielded a stellar starting lineup that included Sergio Reguilón, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul, Luis Suárez and Messi.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
At the slightest security alert, every point along the route can be brought to a standstill.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

purposefulness

purposeless

purposely

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Style

“Purposeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeless. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of purposeless

adjective

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