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 spokesperson added that Part D plans may consider using prior authorization — a process where a provider must first get approval from an insurer — for those drugs to ensure they are being used for that specific purpose. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 The budget’s primary purpose was to create structural changes in the budgeting process. Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 Paul’s purpose is to make the world a better place. Paul Klein, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 Many theories exist as to the original purpose of Stonehenge, including a burial site, astronomical observatory, religious or worship site, some sort of gesture or symbol, or a place of ritual or healing. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purpose 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose
Noun
  • By addressing these complexities head-on, women can not only achieve their goals but also inspire future generations to break down barriers and redefine success on their own terms.
    Danielle Correia, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the likely conflicts in energy policy this year were evident Thursday at the committee’s organizational meeting, where members broadly outlined their goals.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Now Utah will face another tall task against Sedona Prince and the Horned Frogs.
    Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
  • And still, the effort to help young people make sense of the tragedy, to understand its indefinite scope, and to give them some hope for the future must be no easy task.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The service warned travelers to slow down and use caution while driving and to plan on slippery road conditions, which could impact commutes.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Read Article > Dec 11, 2024 Chris Welch Sonos plans return-to-office push for its product teams Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge Sonos will soon encourage employees on its various product teams who live near its US office locations to come in for at least two days per week, The Verge has learned.
    Chris Welch, The Verge, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Warming Mars could cost approximately $1 billion per year, which the researchers estimated could effectively heat up the red planet by one degree Celsius annually — with the aim of reaching around 30°C to enable comfortable plant growth.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Kirkpatrick said Bratton's consultancy is currently pegged for a three-month term in New Orleans, with the aim of helping guide the city's decisions on how to best strengthen its defenses.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Leslie Charleson, best known for her long-time role on General Hospital, has died.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Because banks and insurance companies have significant asset and liability mismatches due to their role as financial intermediaries, any climate change stress can quickly hurt their earnings and even their liquidity.
    Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Power shutoffs intended to reduce the risk of additional fires have left hundreds of thousands of people across the Southland in the dark this week.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Trinity Metro had originally intended to stretch the line into Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an active and comparatively dense neighborhood, but budgetary pressures forced planners to bench the initiative.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With Fubo’s lawsuit now complete, Venu has signaled intentions to launch, possibly as soon as this spring.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The journalist has shared her intentions to launch a wellness app and host retreats.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And interestingly enough, Resume Now’s survey showed more people regret staying at a job than quitting a job.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Prosecutors allege that ComEd and AT&T Illinois gave out no-work or little-work jobs and contract work to those loyal to Madigan to get legislation passed that would benefit them in Springfield.
    Jim Talamonti | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near purpose

Cite this Entry

“Purpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purpose. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on purpose

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