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 this sort of time regime, pointless, aimless time becomes a rarity, even a luxury—and an object of nostalgia.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of aimless

Adjective

But for a college freshman with a Venmo balance and a favorite team, the distinction is meaningless.

— Emily Stack, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
On the surface to the casual fan, Saturday night’s preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals was a meaningless exhibition smack-dab in the middle of one of the toughest months of the year for football fans.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 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

Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
His discipline could be minor compared to the hit on his reputation.

— Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of minor

Adjective

Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
But that bipartisan effort was immediately panned by conservative groups, and little else has emerged as a serious solution.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of little

Adjective

Storms could be severe, with a level 2 out of 5; a slight risk is in place.

— Laura Bannon, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
However, recent August polling shows Democrats are making ground on Republicans — still within the poll's margin of error — but with Talarico having a slight edge over Paxton.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

purposefulness

purposeless

purposely

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Purposeless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposeless. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of purposeless

adjective

Example Sentences

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