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
There’s a sense of purpose now for me that wasn’t there before. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 8 July 2025 Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes. —Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs. —Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025 And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category. —Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 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
  • If your goal is to add little to no weight to your beach day haul, nothing beats the Helinox Beach Chair.
    — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • My goal was to make everyone feel connected to her legacy and vitality.
    — Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Then, once the VIP is in their seat, the task switches to providing the most seamless experience possible, even if the security staff are on high alert.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • Research has found that active kids develop superior cognitive skills, get better grades, and are more likely to stay on task than kids who are less active.
    — Henry Abbott, The Atlantic, 12 July 2025
Definition of task
Verb
  • Harkins plans to open a second BackLot at Verrado Marketplace, a shopping mall being built in Buckeye.
    — Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
  • By the end of 2025, CATL plans to have 1,000 stations across 31 cities.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The aim of the lawsuit is to restore the original recommendation for children and pregnant women to receive COVID shots.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • Herb Peterson, a former McDonald's franchisee in Santa Barbara, California, created the sandwich in 1971 with the aim to produce a portable version of eggs benedict.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Mahmood Mamdani’s remarks are notable, considering his role at The Gaza Tribunal, an organization that supports the movement to boycott, divest, and sanction Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • His careful language didn’t make any difference to the role that he had been cast in.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    — Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    — Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    — Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
Definition of intention
Noun
  • Recent data has pointed to a stronger labor market, with the unemployment rate dropping and the economy adding more jobs than expected in June.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Younger generations are being prepared to be worker bees — for jobs that are disappearing.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Definition of job

Phrases Containing purpose

Browse Nearby Words

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 18 Jul. 2025.

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