purposely

adverb

ˈpər-pəs-lē How to pronounce purposely (audio)
Definition of purposelynext
as in intentionally
with full awareness of what one is doing the real estate agent purposely withheld information that would have discouraged us from buying the property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of purposely It was covered in ash, as if it had been washed, dried, then purposely covered in soot. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 The Next Chapters Bookhouse was purposely named to reflect the couple’s new chapter together. — Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026 According to Ukrzaliznytsia, a diplomatic train carrying Boris Johnson, Carl Bildt and security advisers from several European Union states had purposely left the station at Yahodyn ahead of schedule. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 These fish can’t really be classified as invasive, however, because the state purposely stocked the South American imports in the early 1980s for two reasons. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purposely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purposely
  1. intentionally
  2. deliberately
Adverb
  • Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury, as well as the federal crime of harming a public official, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, faced court on Wednesday charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of intentionally
Adverb
  • The Gibson family, for their part, has never accepted that Sidney and Patrick deliberately set out on an untethered flight.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Think smoky eyes, deeper hues, crimped hair and deliberately imperfect textures.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of deliberately

Browse Nearby Words

purposeless
purposely
purposes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purposely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purposely. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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