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 While many have questioned whether or not Hunter will be able to play on both sides of the football in the NFL, the 21-year-old has made his intentions clear. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 In these settings, properly understanding human social cues and context is even more critical, as even small misjudgments in intention run the risk of injury. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025 While his character in Abbott Elementary may revel in quirky antics and conspiracies, Davis’ off-screen approach to the craft is rooted in intention and resilience. —Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025 Your tone carries memory, intention and relationship. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 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
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    — Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The two sides talked football on the visit, but the other purpose of bringing him to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center was to learn about the young man under the helmet.
    — Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Federal prosecutors have declared intent to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, according to a court document filed on Thursday evening.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The executive order shows intent, but turning that into impact will be a longer journey.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • The key to success is finding the best glycolic acid formula for your skin’s needs and goals, which includes figuring out the right format and concentration of acid.
    — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • In a sense, this ichor functioned like a power source or electricity, circulating through the robot’s bronze limbs and fueling his movements and actions.
    — Sofia Giannuzzi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In this sense, Biden’s brand of post-neoliberalism fed the body but not the soul.
    — Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.
    — Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Wyandotte County residents will have a chance to weigh in on plans to potentially issue $155 million in sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds that would help finance the nonprofit organization’s move to Kansas City, Kansas, just northwest of the Kansas Speedway.
    — Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The journey of doing this has also had a lot to do with giving these things a second opportunity and a second life — getting them out of a warehouse or room or box and somebody actually using it and giving it a new meaning.
    — Grace Weinrib, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • He’s founded a Miami shoe recycling and reuse company, Sneaker Impact, with the aim of reducing the environmental and climate footprint of the massive athletic shoe industry.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Hughes had been negotiating with Salah and his representative, Ramy Abbas Issa, for several months with the long-term aim of keeping the top goalscorer at the club.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 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, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 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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