purposeful

adjective

pur·​pose·​ful ˈpər-pəs-fəl 

1

: having a purpose: such as

a

: meaningful

purposeful activities

b

: intentional

purposeful ambiguity

2

: full of determination

was soft-spoken but purposeful

purposefully

ˈpər-pəs-fə-lē 

adverb

purposefulness noun

Synonyms

• bent (on or upon)
• bound
• decisive
• determined
• do-or-die
• firm
• hell-bent (on or upon)
• intent
• out
• resolute
• resolved
• set
• single-minded

Examples of purposeful in a Sentence

a soft-spoken but purposeful criminal investigator

there's a difference between a purposeful lie and an accidental untruth

Recent Examples on the Web

In many ways, this is the most present of all the hats because of how much purposeful attention is drawn to it. —Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

Whatever the feedback is, act on it with a purposeful plan. —Stacey Hanke, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

According to Highland Park staff, that’s been a purposeful attempt to try and be sensitive to a traumatized community. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025

The philosophers, the meditation, the purposeful and controlled breathing, the serenity with things that easily would rattle most offers a glimpse into Varas’ special wiring. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1