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
The warrant noted that despite having the opportunity to use E-Verify — a free government tool to confirm employment eligibility — the business didn’t do so, which suggests at the least an intent to evade or ignore federal law. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025 But the appellate court reversed that decision, ruling that the law's intent goes beyond physical manipulation of the phone. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
Kelli, intent on sticking to their goal of resetting, takes control by waving a rose quartz crystal in the air. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 2 June 2025 President Trump is intent on mowing down the remaining restrictions on executive power, and a series of cases awaiting the Supreme Court could scythe through many of the few remaining authorities Congress keeps for itself. —Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 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 unusually large influx of immigrants in detention meant a backlog was created at the office in Burlington, causing people arrested on an immigration violation to be held for days in a facility unequipped for the purpose, according to lawyers for the detainees.
    — Ben Adler, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    — Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • That has fueled suspicions that Iran isn’t being fully transparent about its intentions.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
  • As a music vet who has been in the industry for over 30 years, this is the start of a new chapter, one that is full of intention and learning, even in his wiser years.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Coupling calmness with resolute silence can be masterful.
    — John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • But as the match progressed, Djokovic – who turned 38 on Thursday – showed the kind of resolute determination which appeared to have deserted him of late, breaking Hurkacz four times in a tiebreak after each player had held serve throughout the second set.
    — Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The goal should be to give employees tools that remove repetitive, low-value tasks (like ringing up purchases) and free them to do what machines can’t do: build relationships, offer empathy and deliver top-notch customer service.
    — Brett Beveridge, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • And the steps of Jalal’s therapy are as follows: Cognitively reappraise the meaning of the attack.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • The study explored how people make meaning out of romantic relationships, particularly during their relationships and after breakups.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • This could be the reason that Republicans seem determined to give them a tax cut.
    — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
  • His interest in the appraisals made by determined minds informed every issue of Lapham’s Quarterly.
    — Donovan Hohn June 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • The only way for a princess to stay royal is to stay single her entire life or marry a direct relative within her own family — an arrangement no one is particularly interested in pursuing.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
  • Trump’s remarks are among his most extensive public comments yet on his feud with Musk, and the latest sign that the president is not interested in mending his relationship with the onetime ally.
    — Erin Doherty, CNBC, 7 June 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • The announcement of Glastonbury’s final lineup also coincides with the BBC’s plans to air artists’ sets, with the broadcaster telling British publication The i Paper that Kneecap’s performance will be included as part of their coverage.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 June 2025
  • Boone added that Stroman is close to a rehab assignment, but the skipper didn’t have exact plans in place.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
Definition of plan

Browse Nearby Words

intensively
intent
intention
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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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