PURPOSE Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

purpose 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-pəs

Definition of purpose next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Reminding yourself of how your daily work connects to a larger purpose is a powerful motivational force, instilling even more tedious tasks with a deeper sense of meaning. —

Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 The event — billed as the U.K.’s largest free live music show with social purpose at its core — seeks to inspire young people from underrepresented backgrounds across the capital. —

Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024 This is a small-scale pilot project for research purposes only. —

Scott Purnell, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024 As retail evolves to meet changing consumer values, the Choose Love Store sets an example of what’s possible when shopping meets social purpose. —

Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for purpose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for purpose

Noun

They are designed to promote certain goals such as economic development, innovation, and supporting underrepresented groups in business.

Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Along with strengthening Macy's nameplate, the company's goals are accelerating luxury growth and simplifying and modernizing end-to-end operations.

Jonathan Limehouse, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024