intention

noun

in-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce intention (audio)
Definition of intentionnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonym Chooser

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 Variety Wholesalers mostly scooped up locations in the Southeast and Midwest with the intention of continuing to use the Big Lots name. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025 Shiner said Wexford never had any intention of paying off the pre-bankruptcy debts of Silver’s creditors. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025 The remarks come at a sensitive moment, with both nations returning to the negotiating table but casting doubt on each other's intentions. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 Wealth doesn’t just happen; it is built with intention. —Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
  1. purpose
  2. intent
  3. goal
  4. sense
  5. plan
  6. meaning
  7. aim
  8. content
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
  • But there was never any doubt in their intent: put a creative, Midwest spin on country music.
    — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025
  • This distinction in intent produces markedly different outcomes.
    — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • There is not any goal that can justify continuing the military operation at the risk of losing the hostages, at the risk of losing the lives of Israeli soldiers, and the risk of losing the lives of many of the non-involved people in Gaza.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Did those moves stir a sense of urgency in the clubhouse?
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • The recent wave of popularity sparked by the game’s youngest stars — including Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who missed her fourth straight game with a left quadriceps strain — have brought a new sense of appreciation from players both veteran and new.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • To fulfill President Donald Trump's plan to build America into a manufacturing powerhouse, permitting reform needs to go hand-in-hand with the administration's industrial strategy, which also includes tariffs on steel, tax cuts, and deregulation.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • The Democratic governor said that a plan to regulate cannabis in the state is needed to protect children, who can often obtain intoxicating hemp products without restrictions.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • 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
  • And the steps of Jalal’s therapy are as follows: Cognitively reappraise the meaning of the attack.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • The money is a personal investment by Bloom, with the aim of shaking up the Scottish football establishment.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • The mission is to build state-of-the-art sports facilities for the community with the aim of developing young players on and off the field.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of content

Browse Nearby Words

intent
intention
intentional
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on intention

Nglish: Translation of intention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intention

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