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purpose 1 of 2

Definition of purposenext

purpose

2 of 2

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 train, which now serves more of a recreational and educational purpose than transportation, travels from Cedar Park to Burnet and back — a 66-mile round trip — every weekend. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 The rate is designed to signal the Fed’s outlook on inflation and economic health, but internal tensions, leadership uncertainty and political pressures could cloud its purpose and direction. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 Changing residency or claiming non-residency for tax purposes can also trigger a second set of rules. Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026 That’s the purpose of this resolution. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • Join Palmer in crushing New Year’s fitness goals with this nifty Pilates set that comes with a ring, mini ball, and four resistance bands.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Giving love to local venues For McLaughlin and Arthurs, the goal was always to bring the film to venues around the Carolinas as a way to promote those spaces, like The Milestone, that were filled with local music history.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There are other examples of lawmakers leaving public office for lobbying roles, but keeping their accounts open and spending from them.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • By high school, Carter had acted in theater and earned a role in Neil Simon’s production of The Odd Couple.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Did several individuals act spontaneously or was something planned?
    Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Walmart plans to add EV sites at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations by 2030.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The aim is to dig into general themes rather than specific transfers that are currently ongoing to give a broad picture of as many elements as possible.
    Adam Leventhal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Nasa’s aim was to return astronauts to the Moon and ultimately establish a permanent lunar base.
    The Week, TheWeek, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Understanding automation and working to create the conditions where workers can benefit from technical advances is an important task for the twenty-first century.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • This includes layoffs, hires and positions left open because tasks were automated.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The attack occurred hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alerted the nation that Russia intended to launch a large-scale offensive.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The attack took place just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alerted the nation about Russia's intentions for a large-scale offensive.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Kansas and Missouri have spent the past 18 months trying to secure the team through sweeping stadium-funding incentives packages — which the Chiefs used last month to announce their intentions for a move to Kansas.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But again, as of late, Jalen has been doing a great job of making plays for us.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The TikTok guy will even teach you how to use the tools required for the job.
    Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on purpose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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