intent 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈtent How to pronounce intent (audio)
Definition of intentnext
1
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings; that wasn't my intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intention
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the wording was a little unclear, but I think I grasped the intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 intent
Noun
The Tates have promised to fight the charges in Britain and Romania, publicly declaring their intent to prove their innocence in both jurisdictions. —Willem Marx, NPR, 28 May 2025 Some cases appear to be related, The Wall Street Journal reported, including a Florida man suspected of leading a criminal ring intent on robbing cryptocurrency riches through a string of home invasions across multiple states. —Ashley Belanger – May 27, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Adjective
Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are entering the season in turmoil, having lost thousands of experts and staff since President Donald Trump took office in January, intent on culling the federal workforce. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 As for Ramsey, the Dolphins shrugged off April questions about a potential reconciliation and appear intent on trying to trade him. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
  1. purpose
  2. intention
  3. resolute
  4. goal
  5. meaning
  6. determined
  7. interested
  8. plan
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • As new innovations take hold and produce positive results, remember to prune old practices that are no longer working or have outlived their purpose.
    — Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Wealth doesn’t just happen; it is built with intention.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The dress moves like a line thought out to the end, firmly, with intention, leaving no room for excess.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 31 May 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Armstrong is less resolute, however, when asked how much President Trump’s election to a second term affected his sense of urgency.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.
    — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • The goal is to haul Ford vehicles from the Kentucky Truck Plant to dealerships anywhere in the nation.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Those goals were just the fourth and fifth in 14 games this spring.
    — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park.
    — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025
  • But for many, sadly too many, shelter carries other, more painful meanings: a marker of dislocation, of homes gone, of safety, memory, and love lost.
    — Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.
    — David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
  • The president is determined to get something done here.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 20 May 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • Applicants should be interested in pursuing a career in fashion.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 May 2025
  • The Kelce brothers laughed, but Travis Kelce is interested in having a hand in the Olympics in some fashion.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Jurado, now on the council, praised the spending plan, then voted for it.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of plan

Browse Nearby Words

intensively
intent
intention
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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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