Synonyms 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.

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

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

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

1. purposeverb

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

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

2. purposenoun

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

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

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms: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

Matched Categories

1. • Decide
   • Utility

Editors ContributionRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mission

   many companies begin their existence with a "mission statement" it is their purpose for existence.

   "i think that you have gotten off the track of your initial mission and need to re-think your strategy."

   Submitted by JP03 on January 19, 2015  

2. ikigai

   Submitted by anonymous on April 19, 2020  

3. telos

   telos means the ultimate end or purpose of something.

   Submitted by JP03 on March 26, 2015  

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. purposenoun

   Synonyms:
   aim, intent, intention, design, object, end, drift, view, final cause

2. purposeverb

   Synonyms:
   intend, design, mean, meditate, think of, have in mind, resolve upon, propose to one's self

3. purposeverb

   Synonyms:
   intend, design, mean, have in mind

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

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "purpose":

   purposes, goal, aim, objective, end, object, order, effect, subject, intent, target, intention, view, intended, objectives, effects, goals, aims, subject-matter, re, fin, uses, impact, finality, use, destination, reason

Suggested Resources

1. purpose

   Song lyrics by purpose -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by purpose on the Lyrics.com website.

How to pronounce purpose?

How to say purpose in sign language?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use purpose in a sentence?

1. Donna Lou:

   Eric was our purpose in life. He depended upon us, his parents, to help him navigate through this confusing world, not being able to see him or hear his voice has been devastating to us.

2. Michael Pedroni:

   The current U.S. short-selling framework has held up amid heavy volumes and is serving its purpose. Adding restrictions will only make the current problem worse.

3. El Moussa:

   I’ve always lived my life with the belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I also believe that in order to succeed, you have to be willing to accept that failure is most definitely part of the journey. While failure may be difficult, it should also be viewed as a motivator because failure is absolutely necessary to succeed, the experience of dealing with cancer treatment made me realize that nothing is more important than my family. I also made a commitment that one day, when I was in a position to help others, I would do so. I feel that my purpose is to give back, lend a hand and really help others.

4. Stuart Scheller:

   I think them accepting accountability would do more for service members with PTSD and struggling with purpose than any other transparent piece of paper or message. And I haven’t received that.

5. Nancy Hogshead-Makar:

   USA Swimming’s eligibility policy is outstanding for biological women, first, it declares that the purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that transgender women do not have an unfair advantage over cisgender women in competitive sports. Second, it requires that transgender women must demonstrate they’ve mitigated their male-puberty advantage.