INTENTIONAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl

Definition of intentional next

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

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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 Wanderwild Family Retreats — Catskills, New York Wanderwild blends holistic wellness with intentional family bonding and offers retreats designed specifically for mothers and children. —

Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026 Holistic Mother-Daughter Retreat Options in the Catskills Wanderwild Family Retreats, based in the Catskills of New York, blends holistic wellness with intentional family bonding and runs programs built specifically for mothers and children. —

Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026 It was confirmed that this acoustic zone is an intentional, adaptive sensory strategy rather than an accidental biological side effect. —

Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026 Minor said the decision was ultimately less about financial returns and more about creating an easier, more intentional luxury lifestyle for her family. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intentional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional

Adjective

Design features in the rooms The rooms offer a deliberate exhale after the exuberance of the communal spaces.

— Bridget Mills-Powell, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
Starmer's former deputy Angela Rayner said on Thursday that she had been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs, boosting her prospects for another potential leadership bid.

— Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 15 May 2026

Definition of deliberate

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intention

intentional

intentionally

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“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of intentional

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