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 City Clerk’s office said the current list reflects those who have declared their intent to run, not the final, certified ballot. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026 Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke says the post reflects a ‘bigoted and racist regime’ with deliberate intent to harm and hurt people. —Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Can constitutional protections withstand the actions of a federal government seemingly intent on aggressively violating the rule of law? —Yohuru Williams, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2026 After watching the semifinal before them, Sinner and Djokovic seemed intent on trying to produce an equally epic contest. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
  1. purpose
  2. intention
  3. resolute
  4. focused
  5. goal
  6. meaning
  7. determined
  8. interested
Noun
  • Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Landing in Forum, known for championing formally ambitious and politically challenging cinema, aligned with Anwar’s intentions.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Even if all these sunny promises are enshrined in contracts, built into budgets, and consecrated with good intentions, there are still plenty of ways the whole project could go kerflooey.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Tillis remained resolute in holding up the president’s Fed chair nomination in protest over a Justice Department investigation of the current one.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Sports have always represented one of humankind’s most resolute rejections of nihilism.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • People are increasingly focused on how to live well—not just longer.
    — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 9 Feb. 2026
  • What could have been chaotic became incredibly focused.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of focused
Noun
  • If your goal is to get at the truth, or at least our closest approximation of it at the present time, the way to do that is to be scrupulous and forthright about the strengths and weaknesses of every link in your chain of argument.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The goal of any action, however, remains something of a mystery.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Mike begins to struggle with the idea of doing something that might finally give his life (and his death) meaning, and although the film goes in absurd directions, Gavras sells it by pitching everything at the level of epic satire, his grandiose images working in tandem with moments of broad humor.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Lights, camera, action take on a different meaning with this long-running film festival, now in its 54th year.
    — Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Venus Williams, the 45-year-old, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, appears determined to keep trying to win tennis matches at an age when most players have long retired.
    — James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired.
    — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Together, the properties suggest an investor interested not just in impressive homes, but in places with lasting cultural imprint.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Bella was more interested in the chatter around the film.
    — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of interested

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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intent

Nglish: Translation of intent for Spanish Speakers

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