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Showing results for purpose.
Definitions

purpose

[pur-puhs] / ˈpɜr pəs /
NOUN
intention, meaning, aim
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ambition aspiration desire determination direction function goal idea intent objective plan principle project reason scheme scope view wish
STRONG
animus bourn calculation design destination dream drift end expectation hope mecca mission object point premeditation proposal proposition prospect resolve will
WEAK
big idea intendment ulterior motive whatfor where one's headed whole idea why and wherefore whyfor
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dislike hate hatred
STRONG
beginning start
NOUN
persistence, resolve
Synonyms
STRONGEST
determination faith
STRONG
confidence constancy firmness resolution single-mindedness steadfastness tenacity will
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubt
STRONG
instability uncertainty weakness
NOUN
use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
benefit duty effect function goal objective outcome result
STRONG
advantage avail gain good mission object profit return utility
Antonyms
STRONGEST
beginning cause origin source
STRONG
disadvantage loss
VERB
intend, set sights on
Synonyms
STRONG
aim aspire commit conclude consider contemplate decide design determine mean meditate mind plan ponder propose pursue resolve
WEAK
bid for have a mind to have in view make up one's mind think to work for work toward
Antonyms
STRONG
begin discard dismiss disregard forget hesitate ignore neglect reject start stop wait waver

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Monday, Musk's lawyers are expected to try to convince the jury that Microsoft, by investing in OpenAI in 2019, knew it was helping divert a nonprofit foundation from its original purpose.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

The purpose of high-school sports changed overnight for many athletes and their families.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

The department official insisted that a debris screen was appropriate at the location for the purpose of managing issues including the risk of downstream flooding at homes on the Shore Road.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

It speaks in terms of effect as well as purpose.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

She turns and starts walking down the hall with speed and purpose.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer

Vocabulary lists containing purpose

The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!