purposely

adverb

pur·​pose·​ly ˈpər-pəs-lē How to pronounce purposely (audio)
: with a deliberate or express purpose

Examples of purposely in a Sentence

the real estate agent purposely withheld information that would have discouraged us from buying the property
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Bernick says the act was purposely written to be sweeping and broad in scope. Brian Bennett, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 Given the current turbulent DEI environment, there’s much at stake in terms of the liability exposure and reputation of the company and its officers and directors should the company make an uninformed or purposely controversial decision. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The Traitors purposely put one of their own in one of the coffins in order to throw everyone off the scent. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 17 Jan. 2025 As a result, they're now purposely caught and sold alive in Vietnamese seafood markets, where they're known as bọ biển (sea bugs). Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for purposely 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purposely was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near purposely

Cite this Entry

“Purposely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposely. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

purposely

adverb
pur·​pose·​ly ˈpər-pəs-lē How to pronounce purposely (audio)
: with a clear or known purpose

Legal Definition

purposely

adverb
pur·​pose·​ly
: with a deliberate, conscious, or express purpose : intentionally

More from Merriam-Webster on purposely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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