purpose 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-pəs How to pronounce purpose (audio)
Definition of purposenext
1
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in task
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

purpose

2 of 2

verb

as in to plan
to have in mind as a purpose or goal I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun purpose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of purpose are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and object. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Where would aim be a reasonable alternative to purpose?

The meanings of aim and purpose largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When would design be a good substitute for purpose?

While the synonyms design and purpose are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When might end be a better fit than purpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to purpose, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When can goal be used instead of purpose?

In some situations, the words goal and purpose are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is intent a more appropriate choice than purpose?

The words intent and purpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When is it sensible to use intention instead of purpose?

Although the words intention and purpose have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of purpose?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of purpose?

The synonyms objective and purpose are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

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 purpose
Noun
Throughout, there are design nods to the building’s former purpose with pleated headboards evoking the folds of judicial robes and legal scales doubling as objets d'art, while the muted color palette feels lifted from a Dutch Old Master. —Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025 The 2032 pick is unlocked, for trade purposes, immediately after the draft. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 Harris watched him from her car, pacing around the property with no clear purpose. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2025 Anecdotal recommendations advise using about one-fourth of a teaspoon of black pepper for every teaspoon of turmeric, though the right combination can vary by taste and purpose. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
  1. goal
  2. task
  3. plan
  4. aim
  5. role
  6. intend
  7. intention
  8. job
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Ovechkin’s blast got the NHL’s career goals leader on the scoresheet for the first time in the series.
    — Aaron Beard, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • In less than a year, the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals, hired a new team president whose task is to build a new arena, traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, missed making the playoffs, and won the draft lottery.
    — Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
  • These final tasks may include loading mock-up Starlink broadband satellites into the ship's payload bay and touchups to the rocket's heat shield.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Definition of task
Verb
  • The Miami-headquartered Restaurant Brands International (RBI) plans to spend up to $700 million through 2028 as part of its plan to revitalize Burger King.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Windham plans to join one of the university’s two bands that is comprised of music majors.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The commission’s aims were tied to economy and efficiency – as the commission itself was named.
    — Laura Ellyn Smith, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
  • Since the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, U.S. engagement with Pakistan has been limited and Islamabad has less relevance for Washington’s foreign policy aims.
    — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Longevity in past roles can be a strong indicator of someone's ability to adapt and grow within your organization.
    — Michael DeCesare, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • But Critchfield acknowledged that cuts at the federal level could pose challenges if states have to take on more of an oversight role.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • The organization instead touted the 5K for Kirk, an alternative race intended to raise funds for the deputy and his family.
    — Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Make The Conversation Official (And Respectful) Casually bringing your raise request up in the hallway won’t land the same way, so schedule time with intention.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • According to top Black makeup artists, 2025’s soft glam is a love letter to melanin, blending technique, tone, and intention to celebrate what’s naturally ours.
    — Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025
Definition of intention
Noun
  • Speaking to thousands of members of the media from around the world who covered his election and the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo also called for the release of reporters jailed for doing their jobs.
    — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • First announced in 2022, the project is expected to involve an investment of 7.6 billion euros ($8.5 billion) and create almost 10,000 local jobs when completed.
    — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of job

Phrases Containing purpose

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purports
purpose
purposed
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Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

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