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
Focus on collaboration with intent, social connection and career growth. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Their intent was to promote a scholarship for female chefs, but the execution backfired. —Angelique Kuiper, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
This is the purpose of exhibition games, and the Yankees are intent on seeing where Dominguez takes them in left field. —Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 By 1800, colonists had brought it in seed mixes from Europe to North America, intent on feeding their livestock familiar European species rather than the abundant native grasses of the new continent. —Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 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
  • The crucial difference from last season is his belief in his own abilities to alter events to his own purposes.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Kennedy also claimed the reason the children were hospitalized was for quarantine purposes.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Family, friends, and organizations may also begin setting money aside with the intention of contributing it to the account in the individual’s name as of Jan. 1.
    — Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The reformulation, as most of them are, was done with good intentions: The original formula was made with talc, an ingredient many brands have moved away from due to concerns about asbestos contamination.
    — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Allen learned on the job from Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at The Row, who have always been resolute about doing things their own way.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The resolute horse nudges the keg forward across challenging terrain and is unwavering in the desire to achieve the goal of delivering the keg of Budweiser beer.
    — Todd Holmes, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • Other scores: Bolles 20, Timber Creek 4 Girls Lacrosse Bartram Trail 12, Bishop Moore 6 Buzz: Lizzie Scalzo had a goal and an assist for the Hornets (5-3) while Sam Wilson had 13 saves at keeper.
    — Buddy Collings, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The 30-year-old defenseman, selected fourth overall in the 2013 NHL draft (two picks after the Panthers selected Aleksander Barkov) has 97 goals and 432 points over his 12-year NHL career.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
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
  • The split division format is far from perfect, but when are playoffs ever perfect in sports? State titles have a different meaning, but the emotions, sacrifices, and memories tied to them remain the same.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • The determined toddler finally made his way across the driveway toward the house, but another challenge awaited — climbing the stairs.
    — Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Last year, another mystery flu-like illness that killed dozens of people in another part of Congo was determined to be likely malaria.
    — Jean-Yves Kamale, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • The Devils were already interested in upgrading their center group before Hughes’ injury.
    — Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • For health professionals and couples interested in treating both partners, the research team is developing a website that provides detailed information on male partner treatment.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • Most Popular Most Popular Gov. Wes Moore pitches tax plan as defense against Trump.
    — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The changes may require the center to be closed for a few days, but the current plans are to renovate the facility over the weekend so no closures are necessary.
    — The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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