Synonyms of purpose

purpose 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-pəs 

1

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

the purpose of the research is to discover how the virus is transmitted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• goal
• aim
• intention
• plan
• intent
• objective
• idea
• object
• thing
• ambition
• dream
• meaning
• aspiration
• design
• point
• ideal
• target
• end
• project
• hope
• name of the game
• mark
• pretension
• bourn
• bourne
• desire
• scheme
• mind
• wish
• plot
• destination
• grail
• holy grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

2

as in task

the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists

still trying to discover her purpose in life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• task
• role
• job
• function
• part
• work
• mission
• capacity
• place
• position
• business
• rôle
• concern
• participation
• duty
• situation
• involvement
• office
• vocation
• use
• activity
• responsibility
• occupation
• post
• service
• pursuit
• assignment
• hand
• niche
• commission
• calling
• affair
• employ
• charge

purpose

2 of 2

verb

as in to plan

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

I've been purposing to fix that thing for some time now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• intend
• aim
• hope
• mean
• contemplate
• wish
• go
• look
• try
• design
• propose
• purport
• aspire
• calculate
• attempt
• allow
• meditate
• dream
• consider
• figure on
• accomplish
• scheme
• endeavor
• struggle
• achieve
• debate
• effect
• strive
• ponder
• perform
• plot
• mull (over)
• execute

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun purpose contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of purpose are aim, design, end, goal, intention, intent, objective, and object. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Where would aim be a reasonable alternative to purpose?

The meanings of aim and purpose largely overlap; however, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When would design be a good substitute for purpose?

While the synonyms design and purpose are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When might end be a better fit than purpose?

While in some cases nearly identical to purpose, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When can goal be used instead of purpose?

In some situations, the words goal and purpose are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is intent a more appropriate choice than purpose?

The words intent and purpose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When is it sensible to use intention instead of purpose?

Although the words intention and purpose have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of purpose?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of purpose?

The synonyms objective and purpose are sometimes interchangeable, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of purpose

Noun

The law does little to fulfill its original purpose and often enriches Wall Street investors and pension funds, Weaver reports. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025

This cosmic reality check calls you to level up, take ownership of your journey and move forward with more clarity and purpose. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

But that doesn’t seem to be the purpose of the record, which leans more heavily into fan service — a treat for those who’ve stayed loyal (or at least neutral) as Drake suffered the past year’s cavalcade of embarrassments. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025

The purpose is to drive economic diversity in Las Vegas, traditionally a town focused on a single industry: hospitality. —Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing purpose

• on purpose