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
Heavyweight relies on satirical humor on its site to emphasize its artistic intent. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025 Police are seeking to file terrorism charges and 11 charges of assault with intent to murder against Gille. —Stephen Sorace , Greg Wehner , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
Hill, however, appears intent to use his son’s comments as motivation in 2025. —Miami Herald, 22 July 2025 Fans seem intent on not letting the blockbuster Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud go. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 July 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
  • Achieving a small goal (A) can boost your engagement (E) and deepen your sense of purpose (M).
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • But other people have raised concerns about developer’s intentions, solar projects changing the character of the area and the potential loss of good farmland.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2025
  • Specifically, it’s been the fifth-round pick’s versatility and intention that has stood out to Schottenheimer.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • His face was resolute across the table in a room full of reporters.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025
  • The Club World Cup trophy is also spending time in the Oval Office; it could be seen there Tuesday not far from the resolute desk.
    — Ian Swanson, The Hill, 20 June 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • Now, our goal is to elevate our deterrent power to the highest level with high-volume production.
    — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
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
  • Scottie Scheffler's comments about the meaning of winning and the balance between golf and the rest of his life have transcended the golf world.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Despite low turnout thus far, Morales is determined to make this work.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
  • He also was determined to quicken other aspects of his game.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Though approached by the landmark commission several times, Williams said the family was never interested in designating the property a historic landmark because of the alteration rules that would be applied to the site.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • There wasn’t a full book there, and Fanny wasn’t interested in publishing them, but something was starting to brew in her.
    — Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Definition of interested
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

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 5 Aug. 2025.

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