purposeful

adjective

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

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.
For organizations looking to move beyond disconnected marketing efforts and build a more cohesive path to growth, Sirak Studios offers a model grounded in strategy, systems, and purposeful execution. Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 The possession ended in a Hart layup but not because the Knicks were purposeful with their movement to begin it. Fred Katz, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 The move was a purposeful nod from Garin to the women who had come before her, and a way to signal her path forward. Monique El-Faizy, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026 Activities that feel interesting or purposeful can bring your energy back by reengaging your attention and motivation in a meaningful way. Big Think, 22 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Purposeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposeful. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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