INTENTION Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'intention' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim , design , end , goal , intent , objective , object , and purpose . While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. // announced his intention to marry

Q: When is 'aim' a more appropriate choice than 'intention'?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. // her aim was to raise film to an art form

Q: When can 'design' be used instead of 'intention'?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan. // the order of events came by accident, not design

Q: Where would 'end' be a reasonable alternative to 'intention'?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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

Q: When would 'goal' be a good substitute for 'intention'?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. // worked years to reach her goals

Q: When is it sensible to use 'intent' instead of 'intention'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention , intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. // the clear intent of the statute

Q: How are the words 'object' and 'end' related as synonyms of 'intention'?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. // his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Q: In what contexts can 'objective' take the place of 'intention'?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. // their objective is to seize the oil fields

Q: When might 'purpose' be a better fit than 'intention'?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, purpose suggests a more settled determination. // being successful was her purpose in life

intention

noun

in-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of intention next

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish her intention is to climb the highest peak in each of the 50 states

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as in intent

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action she was uncertain of the intention of his frantic gesturing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun intention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim, design, end, goal, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is aim a more appropriate choice than intention?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of intention?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to intention?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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 would goal be a good substitute for intention?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is it sensible to use intent instead of intention?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of intention?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of intention?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intention?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, 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 intention Several candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties, along with an independent candidate, have stated their intentions to seek the seat in this year's election cycle. —

Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 The second breakthrough will come when Atlas can understand the full context of the environment humans are also in, including the intentions of those around Atlas. —

Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026 Over time, that intention matters. —

Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 This may not be the intention, though. —

R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention

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

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“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of intention

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