Synonyms for purpose

Synonyms for (noun) purpose

Synonyms: determination, purpose

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

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

Similar words: resoluteness, resolution, resolve, firmness, firmness of purpose

Definition: the trait of being resolute

Usage: his resoluteness carried him through the battle; it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work


Synonyms: use, purpose, role, function

Definition: what something is used for

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

Similar words: usefulness, utility

Definition: the quality of being of practical use


Synonyms: design, purpose, aim, intent, intention

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

Usage: 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

Similar words: goal, end

Definition: the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it

Usage: the ends justify the means


Synonyms for (verb) purpose

Synonyms: resolve, purpose

Definition: reach a decision

Usage: he resolved never to drink again

Similar words: make up one's mind, determine, decide

Definition: reach, make, or come to a decision about something

Usage: We finally decided after lengthy deliberations


Synonyms: propose, purport, purpose, aim

Definition: propose or intend

Usage: I aim to arrive at noon

Similar words: intend, think, mean

Definition: have in mind as a purpose

Usage: I mean no harm; I only meant to help you; She didn't think to harm me; We thought to return early that night


Visual thesaurus for purpose