EN

Synonyms for purpose

  • noun
  • verb

Most common

aim end goal object intent plan intention function

Synonyms by meaning

Noun

1. Aim — the end for which something is done, is made or exists

aim, end, goal, object, reason, point, effect, sake US, saki UK, final cause, cause, target, destination, view, drift

2. Intention

intent, plan, idea, project, design, motive, scheme, counsel

3. Determination — resolution; determination

intention, determination, resolution

4. Function — function, role

function, use, role

Other

meaning, mind, matter, will, heart, subject, topic

Verb

1. Intend — to have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan

intend, think, set out, contemplate, drive at, meditate, destine, study dated

2. Propose

propose, purport

Other

re-solve, have in mind

Antonyms

accident, chance

All antonyms of purpose →

Definitions

  1. n. 1

    The end for which something is done, is made or exists.

    What is the purpose of your visit?

  2. n. 2

    Function, role.

    The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.

  3. v. 1

    To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.

  4. v. 2

    To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

Related words

Word family
purpose-built purposeful purposeless purposely purpose-made purposive purposed
Phrases
fit for purpose purpose clause

Forms

Plural
purposes → aims, ends, goals, objects…
Past participle
purposed
e.g. purposed → intended, contemplated, meditated, destined…

Choose the right word

Purpose, Aspiration, Design, Endeavor, Aim or Aims?

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.

J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)

Example sentences

  • reason Who that has reason will listen to such a mad man?
  • goal It is not the goal but the way there that matters.
  • object You have chosen me as an object of your amusement.
  • aim I aim to address any misconceptions he might have.
  • plan We must adapt our plan to these new circumstances.
  • intent Diego was following Melissa with malicious intent.

Popularity over time

Word1850 → 2019Trend
purposefalling
reasonsteady
goalrising
objectrising
aimsteady
plansteady

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

3 letters
use1, end1, aim1
4 letters
will1, idea3, mind1, plan1, view1, role1, goal1, sake1, saki2
5 letters
think1, point1, cause1, heart1, study2, topic2, drift1
6 letters
matter2, reason2, design2, effect2, target2, object2, scheme1, intent2, intend2, motive2
7 letters
project2, subject2, meaning2, counsel2, propose2, purport2, destine
8 letters
function2, meditate3
9 letters
intention3
10 letters
resolution4
11 letters
destination4, contemplate3
13 letters
determination5

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (idea3 = 3 syllables).

In other languages

Français
propos
Italiano
intenzione
Español
intención
Deutsch
Absicht