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 Ukraine suggested Putin has no intention to listen to peacemakers in the war. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025 Cosco said that this research highlights how these intentions to have fewer children are part of the root cause of the birth rate crisis. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 Paralinguistic voice analysis focuses on non-verbal elements of speech like tone, pitch, volume, pauses and rhythm that convey emotion, intention or attitude. —Harshal Shah, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The intention is to keep kids safe, distracted and learning — while giving their parents a few extra hours' time to pursue their education. —Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 3 July 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
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    — Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • The well was bundled together with another for contracting purposes, and the cost to plug the two was more than $400,000.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Trump has also expressed intent to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • As for e-bikes and electric scooters, the village is following state law with no intent currently to take local action, East Dundee Police Chief Joshua Fourdyce said.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Definition of intent
Noun
  • The goal is to combine AI’s precision with the human touch that makes influencer marketing truly effective.
    — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Maintaining trust with students has long been a goal of Casas.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Other migrant families have found the same sense of stability in the city of nearly 2 million inhabitants.
    — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of sense
Noun
  • In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
    — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Velvet Peanut Butter brand, with its decades-long Detroit history, will be produced in Detroit in 2026 with plans for nationwide distribution.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • What kind of despair would people feel upon the discovery that their source of joy, belonging, and meaning was a farce?
    — Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • This motivated me to re-educate myself on the meaning of these virtues.
    — Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of meaning
Noun
  • The aim of the lawsuit is to restore the original recommendation for children and pregnant women to receive COVID shots.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023, with the aim of modernising the ground while increasing its capacity to 105,000, which would be the largest in European football.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Federal law prohibits any children's product or component part from containing more than 100 parts per million (ppm) of total lead content by weight.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Swag — available to stream now on Spotify and Apple Music — features guest spots from Gunna, Sexxy Red, Cash Cobain, Lil B, Eddie Benjamin and more.
    — Latoya Gayle, People.com, 11 July 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 19 Jul. 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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