Antonyms for purpose
ˈpɜr pəspur·pose

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:4.8 / 4 votes

1. purpose

   The aim is the direction in which one shoots, or sometimes that which is aimed at. The mark is that at which one shoots; the goal, that toward which one runs. All alike indicate the direction of endeavor. The end is the point at which one expects or hopes to close his labors; the object, that which he would grasp as the reward of his labors. Aspiration, design, endeavor, purpose, referring to the mental acts by which the aim is attained, are often used as interchangeable with aim. Aspiration applies to what are viewed as noble aims; endeavor, design, intention, purpose, indifferently to the best or worst. Aspiration has less of decision than the other terms; one may aspire to an object, and yet lack the fixedness of purpose by which alone it can be attained. Purpose is stronger than intention. Design especially denotes the adaptation of means to an end; endeavor refers to the exertions by which it is to be attained. One whose aims are worthy, whose aspirations are high, whose designs are wise, and whose purposes are steadfast, may hope to reach the goal of his ambition, and will surely win some object worthy of a life's endeavor. Compare AMBITION; DESIGN.

   Antonyms:
   aimlessness, avoidance, carelessness, heedlessness, neglect, negligence, oversight, purposelessness, thoughtlessness

   Synonyms:
   aim, aspiration, design, determination, end, end, endeavor, endeavor, goal, inclination, intent, intention, mark, object, tendency

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.3 / 4 votes

1. purposeverb

   Antonyms:
   chance, risk, hazard, revoke, miscalculate, venture, stake

   Synonyms:
   intend, determine, design, resolve, mean, propose

2. purposenoun

   Antonyms:
   chance, fortune, fate, accident, hazard, lot, casualty, lottery, hit

   Synonyms:
   intention, design, mind, meaning, view, object, aim, end, scope, point, resolve

Matched Categories

1. • Decide
   • Utility

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:3.9 / 7 votes

1. purpose, intent, intention, aim, designnoun

   an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

   "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs"

   Synonyms:
   intention, objective, use, design, determination, aim, designing, figure, role, purport, function, excogitation, conception, pattern, spirit, blueprint, object, intent, invention, target, innovation, bearing, plan, heading

2. function, purpose, role, usenoun

   what something is used for

   "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"

   Synonyms:
   utilisation, habit, usage, routine, role, social occasion, manipulation, theatrical role, use of goods and services, procedure, function, occasion, character, subroutine, part, determination, aim, usance, enjoyment, subprogram, employment, mapping, use, consumption, single-valued function, persona, intention, economic consumption, intent, social function, exercise, affair, office, mathematical function, map, utilization, design

3. determination, purposeverb

   the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose

   "his determination showed in his every movement"; "he is a man of purpose"

   Synonyms:
   role, determination, conclusion, function, intention, use, aim, design, finding, intent, decision

4. aim, purpose, purport, proposeverb

   propose or intend

   "I aim to arrive at noon"

   Synonyms:
   suggest, aim, shoot for, place, pop the question, draw a bead on, aspire, drive, advise, purport, declare oneself, take aim, project, propose, resolve, direct, train, get, take, target, calculate, nominate, point, offer

5. purpose, resolveverb

   reach a decision

   "he resolved never to drink again"

   Synonyms:
   decide, propose, settle, break up, solve, aim, purport, dissolve, conclude, answer, adjudicate, resolve

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. purposenoun

   Synonyms:
   aim, object, design, intent, goal, view, drift

2. purposeverb

   Synonyms:
   intend, design, contemplate

Editors ContributionRate these antonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. meaningless

   meaning

   Submitted by anonymous on November 21, 2019  

How to use purpose in a sentence?

1. George W. Bush, speech, November 19, 1999:

   In the defense of our nation, a president must be a clear-eyed realist. There are limits to the smiles and scowls of diplomacy. Armies and missiles are not stopped by stiff notes of condemnation. They are held in check by strength and purpose and the promise of swift punishment.

2. Daniel Nam:

   There are instances when difficult decisions have to be made due to formularies, but in general, [ medication switching ] is not this thing that is done on purpose just to save a couple of bucks here and there, we work with what we are given. If we are given a bad hand by Pharma... there is only so much we can do.

3. Chris Bowman:

   The purpose of the barbecue is not for gays and straights but also black, white, any race, any sex and he-saying whatever to bring people together to talk — something we have lost the skill to do.

4. Nick Cannon:

   I ’m taking, as my therapist says, five minutes at a time, i ’m optimistic in finding the purpose through all of the pain. I ’m attempting to smile, I ’m attempting to be the high-frequency individual that I’ve set out to be. But, I mean, along the way there’s definitely some curves in the journey. I ’m taking it 5 minutes at a time.

5. Vickie Boards-Winthrow:

   Everytime I look in here and then look outside, I think about the others that didn't make it, i guess I have a purpose... it's just heartbreaking.

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