purposely

adverb

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

Synonyms of purposely

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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.
The red brick and limestone structure cuts a stately, purposely demure profile. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 All of this is to say Algeria purposely scoring an own goal late to benefit itself may not be out of the question. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 The others purposely daw-dled on the short walk from Mathew Street to Whitechapel, stopping at both the two pubs that lay en route. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 She was charged with simple assault and purposely/knowingly causing a bodily injury, the outlet claimed. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 29 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

purposelike
purposely
purpose-made
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purposely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purposely. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of purposely for Spanish Speakers

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