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

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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
Here’s what experts told CNBC Make It last month when Kennedy first announced his intent to take on artificial dyes in America’s food. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025 And, just to leave no doubt as to their intent, the parents of Maite Caceres’ opponents left sexist messages about her on social media. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The staff truly was intent on making guests feel like their home away from home. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Apr. 2025 And with four first-round picks and one second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn appears to be intent on getting younger. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 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
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    — Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Garland shared the duo’s resolute ethic while appearing at a Los Angeles panel alongside Mendoza (and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, who portrays Mendoza with a convincing stoicism that arose from his inquiries into the concerted memories of the SEAL’s battle mates).
    — Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of goal
Noun
  • These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Over time, its meaning broadened to include any sudden outpouring or large quantity, such as a spate of words or a spate of crimes.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • But Trump remains defiant about the tariffs, much like Putin remains determined to continue Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
    — Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Despite a sentence that will likely mean spending the rest of her life in prison, Melody remains determined to prove her innocence.
    — Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • If a child is interested in trains or buses, that excitement might be worth the potential challenges.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • But investors are interested in consumer companies with strong growth; shares of Chinese tea chain Chagee climbed 15% in the company’s public market debut on Thursday.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of interested
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
  • However, the governor’s plan would require halting planned tax cuts, while Republicans in the Senate have emphasized cutting taxes for North Carolinians as a top priority.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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