Purpose
Purpose noun - The action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists.
Usage example: still trying to discover her purpose in life
Role is a synonym for purpose in function topic. In some cases you can use "Role" instead a noun "Purpose", when it comes to topics like do. popular alternative
Role
Role noun - The action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists.
Usage example: studying the role of sunlight in the body's production of vitamin D
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Synonyms for Role
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| exact | exact purpose | exact role |
| similar | similar purpose | similar role |
| usual | usual purpose | usual role |
| specific | specific purpose | specific role |
| Other adjectives: original, true, single, actual, entire, real, little, main, important, vital, new, major, final, secondary, greater, larger, primary, dual, intended, different. | ||
Both words in one sentence
- Some lit-theories classify archetypes by the role/purpose the character inhabits for the story.
Source: Archetypal Character - Basically, a main character is any character who has a major purpose or role in the plot and/or interacts regularly with main characters.
Source: Main Characters - It was well into the story before there was even a hint that he had any purpose or role other than as super-dark comic relief, or any redeeming qualities at all.
Source: Misaimed Fandom / Web Media
Cite this Source
Role and Purpose. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/purpose/role
Purpose & Role. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/purpose/role>.
Role or Purpose. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/purpose/role.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "purpose" and "role" have occurred on timeline