as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing
facial tics and other unconscious movements that one would not normally call purposive actions
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Recent Examples of purposive
For Defoe, meaning is purposive and theological, purposive because theological.
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James Wood, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2022
Sporadic outbursts of feeling are converted into purposive and unremitting activity.
—Aldous Huxley, Harper's Magazine, 17 Aug. 2021
In this sense, history is not only rational but also providential: designed, purposive, teleological.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 25 May 2020
James Wood, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2022
Sporadic outbursts of feeling are converted into purposive and unremitting activity.
—Aldous Huxley, Harper's Magazine, 17 Aug. 2021
In this sense, history is not only rational but also providential: designed, purposive, teleological.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 25 May 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposive
Adjective
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This deliberate approach can ensure that your practice remains effective, accessible and dependable.Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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The car’s driver—old enough to be the original owner—made his deliberate way into the restaurant.Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Soft Goat Cashmere Soft Goat delivers on both conscious and affordable investment pieces with a plush feel.Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024
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Anonymous Content is still seeking international expansion but is conscious of the state of the economy.Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Previously, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the government attempted to agree a voluntary AI copyright code of practice.Ryan Browne, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
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The voluntary recall was announced on Friday, December 13—10 days after VidaSlim's products were added to an FDA warning about toxic yellow oleander.Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Under New York state law, second-degree murder is a charge of intentional murder, said Anna G. Cominsky, a professor at the New York Law School and director of its criminal defense clinic.Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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Transitioning from the office to a fully remote work environment requires thoughtful planning and intentional adjustments.Sho Dewan, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Repurposing an item does require a bit of creative thinking, so look beyond the intended purpose of a piece.Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024
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Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.Tara Suter, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Read: The changing sound of male rage in rock music Underscoring his willed isolation is the fact that Fight Club intentionally seems to take place nowhere.Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
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And that raucous crowed willed Belgium to a first-quarter spark that included seven points from guard Julie Vanloo.Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near purposive
Cite this Entry
“Purposive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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