purpose 1 of 2

purpose

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verb

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
The law does little to fulfill its original purpose and often enriches Wall Street investors and pension funds, Weaver reports. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025 This cosmic reality check calls you to level up, take ownership of your journey and move forward with more clarity and purpose. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 But that doesn’t seem to be the purpose of the record, which leans more heavily into fan service — a treat for those who’ve stayed loyal (or at least neutral) as Drake suffered the past year’s cavalcade of embarrassments. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 The purpose is to drive economic diversity in Las Vegas, traditionally a town focused on a single industry: hospitality. Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • The 30-year-old defenseman, selected fourth overall in the 2013 NHL draft (two picks after the Panthers selected Aleksander Barkov) has 97 goals and 432 points over his 12-year NHL career.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Other scores: Bolles 20, Timber Creek 4 Girls Lacrosse Bartram Trail 12, Bishop Moore 6 Buzz: Lizzie Scalzo had a goal and an assist for the Hornets (5-3) while Sam Wilson had 13 saves at keeper.
    Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • My colleague Will Knight recently tested an AI assistant that could browse the web and perform tasks online.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 2 Mar. 2025
  • If past is prologue, some clues about how Trump might approach this routine task of the presidency may be found in Trump's State of the Union address from 2020.
    Tamara Keith, NPR, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After the trial period ends, Hulu plans start at $9.99 for the with-ads plan.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Hundreds of new apartments in multiple developments are planned or approved for construction at or near train stations in the four cities along the Sprinter route..
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Common Sense Media was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit with an aim of reviewing and rating media and technology on its suitability for children.
    Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But Thal’s recording was the first to be created in a professional capacity, with the aim of obtaining work for Dylan, said Bobby Livingston, an executive vice president at RR Auction.
    Colin Moynihan, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • She's got a handful of credits to her name, including a role in Sister Act 2, which also starred Goldberg.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Her decision meant that, following the success of her role of murder suspect Catherine Tramell in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct in 1992, her memorable outfit was hers to keep.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Meier intended to use her credit to build up a nest egg after years of grad school.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Family, friends, and organizations may also begin setting money aside with the intention of contributing it to the account in the individual’s name as of Jan. 1.
    Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • What To Know Despite not having declared her intention to run for the position, former Vice President Harris is believed by some to be a front-runner due to her name recognition in California.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Entry-level jobs have traditionally been jobs that provides on-the-job training rather than requiring extensive prior experience.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • There are no term limits, no board, and it is considered a job for life.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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