purpose 1 of 2

purpose

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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

Examples 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 mind, then, might make purpose in dreams rather than find it there. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 The purpose of the school system is to help students fulfill their dreams. Bridget Lee, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 Along the way, the new format transformed the purpose of the Playoff. Andy McCullough, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 Business Sustainability And The Rule Of 40 The purpose of taking a fresh look at existing technology vendors is to measure the short-term financial stability and long-term viability of fintech partners. Chris Perry, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for purpose 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • Although the goal originated from a Gabriel Martinelli cross, their tally for goals from crosses does not increase as Wolves’ Nelson Semedo headed the ball away before Calafiori’s finish.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • After a review, the refs ruled there was no interference and the goal beat the clock.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Given the importance and difficulty of the job, McConnell said he wasn’t convinced that Hegseth had proven himself up to the task of following in the footsteps of men such as George Marshall, Caspar Weinberger, or Robert Gates.
    Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 25 Jan. 2025
  • As temperatures climbed above freezing across much of the Southern United States Thursday, Americans from Texas to New Orleans faced the daunting task of cleaning up from a deadly storm that dropped unprecedented snow totals on the region.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But always planning for Kane’s now potentially unlikely in-season return only adds more fodder to anyone who thinks GM Stan Bowman should have matched at least one of the offer sheets to Dylan Holloway or Philip Broberg.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Simon planned the cabin, drawing the outline for the walls with a stick in the dirt.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This issue generates a lot of clickbait stories, but despite retailers adjusting their policies and many new technology approaches getting deployed with the aim of both reducing the incidence and cost of handling returns, very little progress is being made.
    Steve Dennis, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The group focuses on encouraging women to become politically active, with the aim of empowering them as a voting bloc.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Expect promotions, leadership roles, kudos and awards.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys as a consultant in 2022 and moved into the offensive coordinator role when McCarthy took over play-calling duties a year later.
    Schuyler Dixon, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025
  • To sum it up, a personal color analysis is intended to determine which colors suit you best depending on your skin’s undertone.
    Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In October, the new Labour government announced its intention to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago: some sixty islands, including Diego Garcia—home to an important U.S. military base—in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Even well-meaning feedback can feel like judgment if it’s not delivered with care and intention.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • So Far The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Many people probably sense that at some point, there may be a societal pushback against AI, especially since many jobs are being replaced, not just in the creative field.
    Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The economy has grown by at least 3% on an annual basis for four out the last five quarters, unemployment sits at 4.1% and job openings remain strong by historical standards.
    Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near purpose

Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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