intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
Definition of intentionalnext
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing I'm fairly sure that your "accidental" cutting down of my rosebush was really intentional

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 intentional My choice to vote for Rob was intentional. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026 Puerto Rican creative director Luis Salgado said every element on stage was intentional. —Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Thomas later denied this was intentional. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 While self-love isn’t something that happens overnight, intentional practices like these can help build that sense of self over time. —Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
  1. deliberate
  2. conscious
  3. voluntary
  4. intended
Adjective
  • That deliberate gratitude also trained them to notice all the positive things the other person was doing.
    — Jelena Kecmanovic, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Nearly all of the 62-second clip appears to be from a conservative video alleging deliberate tampering with voting machines in battleground states as 2020 votes were tallied.
    — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • In June 2023, the court held that race-conscious admissions programs violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively curtailing the consideration of race in colleges nationwide.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Cost-conscious travelers should note the airport is raising parking rates, including a 40% jump at the Daily Deck, to help fund safety, infrastructure and reliability upgrades, The Charlotte Observer reported.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • These funds support a voluntary return-home program in which returners receive a stipend for up to seven years.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • In fact, Lifetouch was the first school photography company to sign a voluntary and enforceable privacy pledge—reaffirming our deep commitment to protecting school communities.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • Miller has noticed that many diners are following the intended model, stopping at several locations in one night.
    — Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In January, when Elliott married Blake Murray, their officiant was the intended father.
    — Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of intended

Browse Nearby Words

intention
intentional
intentionally
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Nglish: Translation of intentional for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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