intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten(t)-shən 
1
a
: what one intends to do or bring about
b
: the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
2
: a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
3
intentions plural
: purpose with respect to marriage
4
5
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
6
: concept
especially
: a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
Examples of intention in a Sentence
She announced her intention to run for governor.
He seemed to think that I was trying to cause problems, but that was never my intention.
He bought a dog with the intention of training it to attack intruders.
He has good intentions, but his suggestions aren't really helpful.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rogen plays Continental Studios boss Matt Remmick, who manages to always make every situation worse despite his good intentions.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Landry has made clear his intention to carry out these death sentences as soon as possible, having recently approved the use of nitrogen gas, a controversial method allowed in only three other states.
—Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Apr. 2025
Frequent mention of the AEA has been made in the news cycles of early 2025, in part because, during his campaign, now-US President Donald Trump announced his intention to invoke the AEA to target undocumented immigrants.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 25 Apr. 2025
Many of the 911 callers were drivers who saw the man along the road and feared his intentions, officials said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intention
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Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Landry has made clear his intention to carry out these death sentences as soon as possible, having recently approved the use of nitrogen gas, a controversial method allowed in only three other states.
—Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 25 Apr. 2025
Frequent mention of the AEA has been made in the news cycles of early 2025, in part because, during his campaign, now-US President Donald Trump announced his intention to invoke the AEA to target undocumented immigrants.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 25 Apr. 2025
Many of the 911 callers were drivers who saw the man along the road and feared his intentions, officials said.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intention
Cite this Entry
“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intention. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: an intended goal : aim
3
: a person or purpose that is especially prayed for
Medical Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds see first intention, second intention
Legal Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
: something intended : intent
the intention of the testator
Note: Intent is more commonly used than intention when speaking technically especially about the criminal and tort concepts of intent (senses 1a and 1b).
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