intention

noun

in-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce intention (audio)
Definition of intentionnext
1
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish her intention is to climb the highest peak in each of the 50 states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intent
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action she was uncertain of the intention of his frantic gesturing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim, design, end, goal, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is aim a more appropriate choice than intention?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of intention?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to intention?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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 would goal be a good substitute for intention?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is it sensible to use intent instead of intention?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of intention?

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

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of intention?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intention?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, 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 intention The answer to that is the intention of that show was to not be about me. —Alison Edmond, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 What To Know Despite not having declared her intention to run for the position, former Vice President Harris is believed by some to be a front-runner due to her name recognition in California. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 Whatever the intention of its creators—and most reviews characterized the show at least partially as a workplace satire—what played out on our screens was less a critique of the office than a fetishization. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025 But prosecutors doubted Carlson’s more modest intentions. —Jake Goodrick, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
  1. purpose
  2. intent
  3. goal
  4. sense
  5. plan
  6. meaning
  7. aim
  8. content
Noun
  • Liang’s vast, all-consuming solitude pierces through each of these phases, as does his unfulfilled yen for presence and purpose: Though this particular island time slips and stretches and swerves back and forth, no clear future ever materializes for him.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Social recognition is written by employees who are eager to shout to the rooftops about their colleagues – with the express purpose of sharing it.
    — Eric Mosley, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • According to the notice of intent to sue filed by Baber, a student alleges she was repeatedly victimized by Moan.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
  • That’s especially true as the DOGE budget-cutters rampaging through the Social Security Administration have stated their intent to cut the agency’s customer service budget, in part by closing field offices.
    — Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • These three countries host large deposits of several minerals critical to the U.S., for America's economic and geopolitical goals.
    — John Feng, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Sporting responded strongly after conceding the two goals.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Notwithstanding its return on investment and the sense of duty espoused by its employees, LB&I was hit especially hard by the most recent wave of firings, employees said.
    — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 5 Mar. 2025
  • But the Mac Studio has been around for a few years now, and Apple likely has a better sense of how the Max-versus-Ultra sales break down.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Unfortunately, the German plan went awry, per the memorial website.
    — Erica Marrison, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Estate distribution among beneficiaries can be handled in various ways, with each state providing a default method and estate planning attorneys utilizing multiple strategies to tailor distribution plans.
    — Ashley Case, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • By bringing awareness to the beliefs, expectations, assumptions and meanings shaping our perceptions, people can make more intentional choices in their personal and professional lives.
    — Susan Curtin, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • For the Stoics, accepting death and keeping it close was important to organize and give meaning to daily life.
    — Arianna Huffington, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • Common Sense Media was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit with an aim of reviewing and rating media and technology on its suitability for children.
    — Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But Thal’s recording was the first to be created in a professional capacity, with the aim of obtaining work for Dylan, said Bobby Livingston, an executive vice president at RR Auction.
    — Colin Moynihan, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • This panel will explore how AI is impacting jobs in screenwriting, visual effects, editing, casting, and beyond, creating opportunities for filmmakers, content creators, and tech innovators alike.
    — Essence, Essence, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Because of the higher fat content from the sour cream, butter, and eggs, however, this dough takes a little more time to rise than a classic yeast dough would.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of content

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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intention

Nglish: Translation of intention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intention

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