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 role
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
This transition is a total recalibration of purpose. —Carolina Guardiola Romo, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Exactly how much of the money is distributed to which purpose isn’t explained. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be construed as financial, investment or trading advice. —Usa Today, USA Today, 18 May 2026 For over 25 years, this community has shaped us, supported us, and filled our days with purpose. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for purpose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
  1. goal
  2. role
  3. plan
  4. aim
  5. task
  6. intend
  7. intention
  8. job
Noun
  • The company amassed a clean-energy portfolio that included one of the world’s largest solar power plants, and had set a goal of becoming the country’s biggest player in the space by 2030.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • What’s the end goal for the electric toothbrush?
    — Caroline Rose Giuliani, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Definition of goal
Noun
  • This role gives him the opportunity to explore different departments before eventually committing to a specialty.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Timber Creek coach Reggie Cox is hoping eighth-grader Connor Mullins, who is expected to join the team in August, can step into the role.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Definition of role
Verb
  • The summer concert season will soon be here in full force, and many musical groups have outdoor performances planned.
    — Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Many four-year colleges have been planning for such a transition for years.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 19 May 2026
Definition of plan
Noun
  • The aim is to bring more advanced detection capabilities into everyday communication channels where most people actually interact, such as messaging apps, email, and online platforms.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Raman and Miller took aim at Inside Safe.
    — Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Kubiak has experience going against the group in practices last season, but facing his former boss in Mike MacDonald will be a tall task.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • Another task involved answering elementary school questions with a giant pencil, and the final showdown was over a Plinko-esque game with specialized chips.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Definition of task
Verb
  • Prosecutors allege Saab led a yearslong scheme beginning around 2015 to defraud a humanitarian program intended to provide food to impoverished Venezuelans.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Steven Molo, a lawyer for Musk, said in court that the legal team intends to appeal.
    — David Ingram, NBC news, 18 May 2026
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Each object was made by someone, with a precise intention—to embody a necessary purpose, once held in relation to a community.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • The goal is to pack with intention — bring what supports rest, movement and reflection, and leave the rest at home.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026
Definition of intention
Noun
  • Further declines in home prices would deepen the hit to household balance sheets, said Lizzi Lee, a fellow at Center for China Analysis, noting that the property downturn has already inflicted significant job losses across construction and related sectors.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • One candidate ran as a fervent booster, arguing that Atlantic Yards would bring jobs and housing to the area.
    — Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
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 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on purpose

Nglish: Translation of purpose for Spanish Speakers

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