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 However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 The board’s intention and commitment is now to sign a centre-back in the summer — but some important voices at Madrid are still wary. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 That’ll work — unsure if the intention was to shoot or cross, but Jose Chairez’s ball finds the back of the goal in the 39th minute. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025 Viney was careful to emphasize that his intention is not to advocate for the universal replacement of traditional schools. —Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 23 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
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Iran insists − amid much international skepticism, including from the U.N.'s IAEA − that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, like energy and nuclear power, only.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Though the character appears off camera, is the intent to bring McKinnon more to the forefront in a sequel?
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Fragments will spread out, and the intent is to destroy as much of the heart as possible.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • With 16 goals and five assists in 32 games, Bryan Mbeumo might already be in your ‘joy to watch’ list.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • His sharp sense of storytelling and visionary approach to content has consistently set him apart as a true leader.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That has always been part of the Trumpist package of maybe not ideas in the sense of grand philosophies but certainly cultural ideas.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.
    — Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Amid an atmosphere of near-zero interest rates, venture-capital investors were drawn to grand plans and messianic visions, both of which Thurston was skilled at providing.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Every shape, every color seemed to have a secret meaning.
    — Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In an interpersonal context, the phrase takes on greater meaning in the series’ final episode.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • He’s founded a Miami shoe recycling and reuse company, Sneaker Impact, with the aim of reducing the environmental and climate footprint of the massive athletic shoe industry.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Hughes had been negotiating with Salah and his representative, Ramy Abbas Issa, for several months with the long-term aim of keeping the top goalscorer at the club.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of content

Browse Nearby Words

intent
intention
intentional
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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 22 Apr. 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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