1
as in goals
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in roles
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists
still trying to discover her purpose in life
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in plans
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of purposes
Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Marvel has publicly acknowledged that the studio's productions often scan actors' bodies, though the scans are generally only used for visual effects purposes rather than storing actors' likenesses for future projects.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
The addresses listed are those given for tax purposes.
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Changing residency or claiming non-residency for tax purposes can also trigger a second set of rules.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Jan. 2026
These innovations can be used for a variety of purposes, including assisting humans with tasks, conducting research, or performing dangerous or tedious jobs.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
For the purposes of this guide, the American South comprises Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Atlanta.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.
—Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Marvel has publicly acknowledged that the studio's productions often scan actors' bodies, though the scans are generally only used for visual effects purposes rather than storing actors' likenesses for future projects.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
The addresses listed are those given for tax purposes.
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Changing residency or claiming non-residency for tax purposes can also trigger a second set of rules.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Jan. 2026
These innovations can be used for a variety of purposes, including assisting humans with tasks, conducting research, or performing dangerous or tedious jobs.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
For the purposes of this guide, the American South comprises Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Atlanta.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposes
Noun
-
Robertson scored his 28th and 29th goals of the season early in the third period.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Brodin has three goals and 12 assists in 42 games for the Wild, who entered Tuesday’s game with 65 points, second-best in the NHL behind Central Division rival Colorado.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Clinicians often assume multiple roles rather than focusing on their primary expertise.—
David Chou,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
As financial roles evolve, organizations increasingly need professionals capable of interpreting data, modeling complex scenarios, and communicating insights that support decision-making.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fabrice Coffrini | Afp | Getty Images BEIJING — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang plans to visit China in the coming days ahead of the mid-February Lunar New Year, two people familiar with the matter told CNBC.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Getty Images for Vox Media OpenAI plans to ship its first hardware device in 2026, a move into physical products following its acquisition of former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s company io.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Keefe, his assistant coaches and team officials could not continue to preach those objectives without holding Whitmore accountable.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Here again, his objectives collide.—
Javier Corrales,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Initial roles will focus on low-risk tasks such as sorting, sequencing, and transporting parts along the production line.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Many gamers have reacted with disgust to game studios using AI for creative tasks, like coming up with promotional artwork or generating character voices.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rady declined Tuesday evening to respond to those criticisms, indicating in an email that its statement is all that the hospital intends to say about gender-affirming care at this time.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) intends to deploy open-access fiber throughout rural areas of the state, north of Sacramento and through the Eastern Sierra Nevada down to the southeastern border near Mexico.—
Johnny Kampis,
Oc Register,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The novel follows Viola Lockhart, the last living member of house Rosebourne — a family that inherited from its fairy ancestor the ability to magically infuse fragrance to achieve their aims.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
-
One of its aims is to lay the groundwork for having the college’s full accreditation restored.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Supporters have argued that because the city charter functions as Los Angeles’ governing document, the commission’s work warrants heightened disclosure requirements.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
If the deal goes through, Universal is likely to integrate Downtown into its own independent-music division, Virgin, which has taken on more functions of an artist-services company in recent years.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purposes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposes. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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