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
Music was a way of discovering my purpose within the universe. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025 Officials did not share details concerning the purpose of the search. —Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Nothing quite represents a club’s identity like the crest; that is its purpose by definition. —Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 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
  • The goal is to haul Ford vehicles from the Kentucky Truck Plant to dealerships anywhere in the nation.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Those goals were just the fourth and fifth in 14 games this spring.
    — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • To save time at work, consider implementing automation for these common tasks.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Shoppers used generative AI for research, product recommendations, deals and other shopping tasks, according to the survey.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of task
Verb
  • In both mishaps, the upper stage, the vehicle where astronauts and cargo would ride, came apart mere minutes into its flight instead of landing as planned in the Indian Ocean.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Expansion is next, with Answers in Genesis attractions planned for Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo. — tourist hubs offering more opportunities to promote creationism to the masses.
    — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Launched in 2024 with the aim of addressing the needs of the 50-and-older club, Myne Beauty debuted direct-to-consumer with two skin care products — a $49 hydrating serum and a $48 night cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C and peptides.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • Israel's launch of another offensive in Gaza in recent days with the aim of returning the hostages comes amid international condemnation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu government's 11-week blockade of the area.
    — Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • If Matz resumes a hybrid role, having an effective Romero as the primary left-handed reliever will be vital.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • This reflects the leader’s role in narrative construction, a central principle in sensemaking theory.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • The move is expected to impact millions of borrowers who haven’t paid their loans for approximately nine months, and the Trump administration intends to garnish a portion of workers’ wages if their loans remain unpaid.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That arrangement was always intended to be temporary, but for nearly two decades, the details of untangling such massive, important institutions have bedeviled three presidential administrations – including Trump’s first.
    — Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Wealth doesn’t just happen; it is built with intention.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The dress moves like a line thought out to the end, firmly, with intention, leaving no room for excess.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 31 May 2025
Definition of intention
Noun
  • In addition, many of the job posted on giant job boards are out-of-date or ghost jobs, posted for a variety of reasons including EEO and creating the public perception that the company is thriving.
    — Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • With time, Dewan’s father eventually went back to school, got a solid state job, and worked at the post office and a hospital.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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