purposely

adverb

ˈpər-pəs-lē How to pronounce purposely (audio)
Definition of purposelynext
as in intentionally
with full awareness of what one is doing the real estate agent purposely withheld information that would have discouraged us from buying the property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 purposely But unlike Tyesha, who had been shot in the back of the head, Mosser’s dad purposely did not return home, and only reappeared after getting arrested for faking his death and stealing another man’s identity. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 It was purposely designed to funnel vehicles south through campus toward Berry Street instead of north in the direction of non-student residences. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026 Many entries seem almost purposely crafted to inflame every lingering conservative grievance over the pandemic. — Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026 On the flip side, that might fit better as a non-title feud, so that could mean that at WWE SummerSlam, either Rodriguez or Perez inadvertently, or perhaps purposely, costs Morgan the title. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purposely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposely
  1. intentionally
  2. deliberately
Adverb
  • California was among dozens of states that sued Meta in 2023, alleging in a lawsuit that the social media giant intentionally designed harmful and addictive features to hook children while misleading the public about the dangers.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The payout is part of a massive multistate settlement resolving claims that Meta intentionally designed its products to be addictive and knowingly exposed young people to mental harm.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of intentionally
Adverb
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Meta Platforms — The Instagram and Facebook owner jumped 3% after the company and state attorneys general reached a settlement in a case that claimed Meta deliberately made its applications addictive for teenagers.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of deliberately

Browse Nearby Words

purposeless
purposely
purposes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purposely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposely. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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