intent 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈtent How to pronounce intent (audio)
Definition of intentnext
1
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings; that wasn't my intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intention
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the wording was a little unclear, but I think I grasped the intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

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 intent
Noun
The Tates have promised to fight the charges in Britain and Romania, publicly declaring their intent to prove their innocence in both jurisdictions. —Willem Marx, NPR, 28 May 2025 Some cases appear to be related, The Wall Street Journal reported, including a Florida man suspected of leading a criminal ring intent on robbing cryptocurrency riches through a string of home invasions across multiple states. —Ashley Belanger – May 27, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Adjective
Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are entering the season in turmoil, having lost thousands of experts and staff since President Donald Trump took office in January, intent on culling the federal workforce. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 As for Ramsey, the Dolphins shrugged off April questions about a potential reconciliation and appear intent on trying to trade him. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
  1. purpose
  2. intention
  3. resolute
  4. goal
  5. meaning
  6. determined
  7. interested
  8. plan
Noun
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Wealth doesn’t just happen; it is built with intention.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The dress moves like a line thought out to the end, firmly, with intention, leaving no room for excess.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 31 May 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Armstrong is less resolute, however, when asked how much President Trump’s election to a second term affected his sense of urgency.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.
    — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The goal being to have 30 teams all in a position, if well-managed, to be competing for championships.
    — Sam Amick, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park.
    — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • But for many, sadly too many, shelter carries other, more painful meanings: a marker of dislocation, of homes gone, of safety, memory, and love lost.
    — Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems.
    — William Hartung, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The money funded the Huntington’s research programs, and the institution is nonetheless determined to honor its awards to this year’s recipients.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Furthermore, Italy is knocking on Garcia’s door because Napoli and Inter Milan want him, and Bayer Leverkusen is also interested in Germany.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • But there’s no question that Milch and the writers are interested in the funny, annoying and painfully human ways that tightly joined partnerships interact in the bleakest of circumstances.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • Some health insurance plans will cover naloxone, and some state and local health departments may give out this medication free of charge.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
  • The Democratic governor said that a plan to regulate cannabis in the state is needed to protect children, who can often obtain intoxicating hemp products without restrictions.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of plan

Browse Nearby Words

intensively
intent
intention
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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of intent for Spanish Speakers

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