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
But today's skeptical executives overlook the fact that many of these changes, like reasonable work hours, flexibility, and purpose, are healthy corrections to unsustainable workplace practices that weren't particularly effective anyway. —Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 That Heroes Can Come in All Shapes, Sizes, and Abilities [EXCLUSIVE] Adults Don't Interfere with Riley's Imaginative Play Meserve points out that there is an adult voice heard on the show but their purpose is unique from how adults are integrated into most kid shows. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 13 June 2025 Augustinus Bader’s newest product works brilliantly for both purposes. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 13 June 2025 The purpose of a hosting closet is to make entertaining easier—not more stressful. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 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
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Republican leaders have tied these reductions to broader budget goals, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Baking Soda Lowe's has plenty of household basics, like baking soda, which comes in handy during many cleaning tasks.
    — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • Enlist older children: Give age-appropriate tasks to older kids who can help with younger siblings and household responsibilities.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of task
Verb
  • Holmes, a retiree in her early 70s, was grieving the death of her son at the time, so her daughter planned a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to help her through the difficult period, per the filing.
    — Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • One group — which registered itself as the Maryland Environment, Labor and Industry Coalition — planned to challenge the Next Generation Energy Act, and focus its campaign on trash incinerators, which will no longer receive a renewable energy subsidy under the law.
    — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The money is a personal investment by Bloom, with the aim of shaking up the Scottish football establishment.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • The mission is to build state-of-the-art sports facilities for the community with the aim of developing young players on and off the field.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Ars Video Concerning access However, in a May 14 Senate hearing, Kennedy clarified Geier's role at the health department in response to questions from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • Sociodemographic influences Empirical data suggest sociodemographic factors play a significant role in air rage incidents.
    — Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Definition of role
Verb
  • The Lighthouse intends to operate two separate campuses, one near Los Angeles and the other in Brooklyn.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 June 2025
  • Iran’s aircraft are now intended for ground support roles, and few are under any illusions that the air force can compete with Israel’s, the most advanced in the region with the latest U.S. technology, including F-35s.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • The production may have noble intentions in depicting domestic abuse in unflinching terms, but Wax seems to have nothing to say about it other than that what is brutal is indeed brutal.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 June 2025
  • As a music vet who has been in the industry for over 30 years, this is the start of a new chapter, one that is full of intention and learning, even in his wiser years.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
Definition of intention
Noun
  • In 2024, sports tourism generated $114.4 billion in the United States and supported nearly 665,000 jobs, according to a study from Sports ETA—but upcoming major soccer tournaments are expected to boost those numbers for 2025 and 2026.
    — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The front camera did a fine job of taking this selfie of my dog in low light.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 5 June 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 Jun. 2025.

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