as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
facial tics and other unconscious movements that one would not normally call purposive actions
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Recent Examples of purposive
Strengthening transcendence, with its associated behaviors of being purposive, inspired, optimistic, creative, and future-oriented, helps to broaden your perspective and see beyond the immediate challenges.
—
Mary Crossan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
For Defoe, meaning is purposive and theological, purposive because theological.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2022
Sporadic outbursts of feeling are converted into purposive and unremitting activity.
—Aldous Huxley, Harper's Magazine, 17 Aug. 2021
Mary Crossan, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
For Defoe, meaning is purposive and theological, purposive because theological.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2022
Sporadic outbursts of feeling are converted into purposive and unremitting activity.
—Aldous Huxley, Harper's Magazine, 17 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposive
Adjective
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On October 14, those flights revealed missile sites under construction, confirming that Soviet promises had been deliberate deception.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Oct. 2025
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Garcia also warned of the danger of over-saturation, adding that artists have to be very deliberate with their output and touring strategies to avoid getting lost in an increasingly crowded space.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Budget-conscious shoppers who aren’t taxing the system with anything demanding ought to find that chip offers ample performance for everyday usability.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
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His ample thoughts on the matter are informed by a lifetime spent in conscious retrospect on his accomplishments and how the perception of his relationship with them is shared publicly.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Pacific Coast Producers, based in California, issued a voluntary recall for select lots of four fruit products on September 4 due to the potential contamination.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Admission is free, but voluntary donations are appreciated.—
Molly Guthrey,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There’s still room for ‘modern meadows’ where more naturalistic, wild designs meet refined borders and simplicity—providing a little distinction helps each area of your garden feel more intentional.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
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The word ‘intentional’ is overused, and the act of being intentional is underutilized.—
Bo Howard,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Within weeks, James’s attorney Lowell issued a detailed rebuttal, accusing Pulte of selectively highlighting one document while ignoring others that clearly named the niece as the intended occupant.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Oct. 2025
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After straying from their intended path, the duo became stranded after attempting to descend an extremely steep alpine couloir without climbing equipment.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Given no choice, María Ángeles acquiesces to her daughter’s wishes and moves into the seniors’ home, where a hilarious exchange with a hairdresser wanting to chop off her long silver tresses typifies her iron-willed refusal to settle in.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
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Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purposive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposive. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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