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 Consistency means posting with intention, often enough to stay top of mind. —King Holder, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025 Months later, the 86-year-old was slapped with multiple lawsuits, accusations of embezzlement and a bankruptcy case, leading to speculation about the intentions behind their split and Jayne's involvement in the legal drama. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 30 July 2025 Although relaxed in style, the best T-shirt dresses for the office take on a bit more intention and tailoring. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 30 July 2025 That means: Starting meetings with aligned priorities, not just agendas Ending them with clear next steps, not vague intentions Tracking progress in a way that’s visible, flexible, and tied to actual outcomes Leadership isn’t about managing time. —Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 19 July 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
  • 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
  • What brought them back, in the end, was clarity of purpose.
    — Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Musk announced in July his intent to move some of his companies’ headquarters to Texas.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • He was arraigned on one count of felony terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder on July 28 and is due in court Aug. 6.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • Although the artist had specific weight loss goals, her primary focus is her mental health.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 July 2025
  • After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Other migrant families have found the same sense of stability in the city of nearly 2 million inhabitants.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of sense
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
  • As Syria grapples with sectarian clashes in the south and Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Saudi Arabia is pushing forward with plans to engage economically.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of plan
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
  • The question of the meaning of life continues unabated.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • On Friday, the State Bond Commission approved funding for four body scanners as part of a pilot program with the aim of ending strip searches in the state’s prison facilities.
    — Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
  • While Beijing sticks to a conservative stance in mainland China, Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of the country, has emerged as a regulatory sandbox for Beijing with the aim of preserving its global edge in financial innovation.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Rice’s portfolio as an executive includes dozens of Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations across thousands of hours of content.
    — Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
  • Students will be challenged to think about how to create compelling content around class material in a short form video and instructors can even create a competition around which content gets the most organic views.
    — Sergei Revzin, Forbes.com, 23 July 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 5 Aug. 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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