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 But, these figures shifted dramatically at the mention of Musk, who revealed his intention to launch his own party, the America Party, after falling out with President Donald Trump. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025 Trump appointed him to a senior position at the Department of Justice after his win, an unusual step that underlined his intention to eliminate the traditional strict separation between the White House and the Department of Justice. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025 The semiconductor company had previously disclosed its intentions to cut 20% of its global workforce, which would equate to 21,000 workers worldwide. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 Abrego Garcia's attorneys have noted that the government has contradicted itself about its intentions. —Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 16 July 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
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • In fact, according to early reports, the intent was to create a yacht defined by 'lines in movement', a sense of continuous flow and energy, even when the yacht is at anchor.
    — Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The result, revealed a year later, was the CTS-V — the first car to wear the new V-Series badge that GM had chosen as a statement of intent representing its plans to tackle BMW’s M division, Audi’s S / RS lineup and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    — Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 14 July 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    — Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Paige and Tim were originally supposed to get married in May 2020 — a plan that was derailed by COIVD-19, like so many others' nuptials.
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • That term can have a number of meanings, and even though Carr has suggested a proceeding to define it, that hasn’t happened.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 July 2025
  • The question of the meaning of life continues unabated.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • James Tarkowski and Seamus Coleman are now back to running after their injuries, with the aim of featuring later this summer.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 July 2025
  • With Intelsat’s next-generation satellite dishes and Whitaker’s peace instructors, these outposts have become beacons of hyper-technology and anti-war activism, with the aim of radiating their waves of pacifism outward.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • The caveat is that manure often has a high nitrogen and salt content that potentially burns plants and causes other issues.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2025
  • In early 2011, Butler was exposed for faking private investigation cases to keep up with the content demands of the Lifetime show, according to This American Life.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 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 29 Jul. 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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