purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl How to pronounce purposeful (audio)
Synonyms of purposeful
1
: having a purpose: such as
a
: meaningful
purposeful activities
b
: intentional
purposeful ambiguity
2
: full of determination
was soft-spoken but purposeful
purposefully
ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē How to pronounce purposeful (audio)
adverb
purposefulness noun

Synonyms of purposeful

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Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Because of this purposeful inaccuracy, she will be reported to the FCC for rebuke or punishment. — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Once considered a superfluous step, face mists have since become a more purposeful—and enjoyable—part of our skin care routines. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2026 The resort brings Conrad’s brand promise to life through purposeful exploration, modern design, and an intuitive connection to its surroundings, offering guests a stay that feels both expansive and unmistakably of Punta de Mita. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 But the friends also recalled chance — or more purposeful — encounters in the years since. — Ben Paviour august 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purposeful

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purposeful was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

purposedly
purposeful
purposeless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposeful. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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