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
But community water fluoridation is done with the intent of optimizing fluoride concentration for the dental benefits. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025 During a Monday news briefing, Oakman alleged that Brown, Jackson and a third person had gone to purchase narcotics with the intent to rob the seller. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Chatbots can be engineered by teams of experts intent on programming them to be as responsive and empathetic as possible — the psychological version of scientists designing the perfect Dorito that destroys any attempt at self-control. —Angela Chen, Vox, 26 Mar. 2025 Not because technology may disrupt it, but because my own government seems intent on destroying it. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 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
  • More than this perhaps, as Sara Halpern, visiting assistant professor of history at St. Olaf college, wrote to me, the attack had a broader purpose.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The purpose of the show was to reach across the aisle and form connections between un-like-minded people.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • While one reading of Xi is that his rhetoric is in part a strategic move to burnish Chinese power globally, labeling Taiwan as a renegade or breakaway province is, for many, a clear indication of an intention to invade and bring the island within the geography of Chinese sovereignty.
    — Colin Flint, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s how to make a course correction and grow with intention.
    — Chintan Shah, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side In the big-screen adaptation of this true story, Sandra Bullock played Leigh Anne Tuohy, the resolute Southern mother who adopts teen Michael Oher.
    — Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Conscientiously addressing a national crisis of domestic abuse while also lunging for the heartstrings, the film is an uneven balance of grainy social realism and crowd-pleasing uplift, but Cruz’s resolute performance just about holds it together.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • The second of those was goal number two, another type of move that a back five is set up to defend against.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Providence 2, Kankakee 0 Providence (7-0): Lydia Arrigoni goal.
    — Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Every shape, every color seemed to have a secret meaning.
    — Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In an interpersonal context, the phrase takes on greater meaning in the series’ final episode.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Despite Donald Trump‘s growing chokehold on the Kennedy Center, Conan O’Brien was determined to fill the venue with laughs.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Flay and their team were determined to change that.
    — Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • This first-of-its-kind program will accept (12) NYC students who are interested in learning about careers within the media industry.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Those interested in viewing the aurora borealis should check the latest prediction and seek out dark, clear areas with a view of the northern horizon.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • Following your treatment plan can help preserve your vision.
    — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
  • However, this safe harbor provision would only be available if there were concrete plans to replace safety-critical and health-critical SIRS assets with remaining lives of less than three years, which would include roofs, plumbing, fire alarms and other safety equipment.
    — Bruce Strom, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan

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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 16 Apr. 2025.

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