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 Nobody knows what Banksy’s intentions were, though many onlookers have theories. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025 Regardless of your intentions, performing extra chores beyond cleaning up after yourself can be perceived as a sign of respect or rudeness. —Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025 His intentions could become clear in the coming weeks. —Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Eight months later, in January 2020, the couple announced their intentions to step back from their working royal roles. —Janine Henni, People.com, 20 May 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
  • 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
  • As with everything Banksy, siting and context are chief among the avenues of investigation into the man’s intent and into his his hilariously ruthless nocturnal execution of his art.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Smith was charged with violation of probation, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and interfering with police.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Definition of intent
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
  • Amazon | Steam | Official Website At this point, Elden Ring is well-known for its epic sense of scale, offering players dozens of hours of meticulous exploration, gradual character progression, and unforgiving enemy encounters that require deliberate care and strategy.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
  • This issue was built around residences that offer respite from the routine: homes that are in harmony with their environment and the rhythms of their inhabitants, and that offer an unabashed sense of fantasy and locale.
    — Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
Definition of sense
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
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of plan
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
Noun
  • Launched in 2024 with the aim of addressing the needs of the 50-and-older club, Myne Beauty debuted direct-to-consumer with two skin care products — a $49 hydrating serum and a $48 night cream formulated with retinol, vitamin C and peptides.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • Last week at its virtual Content + AI Summit, Box announced significant AI enhancements to its platform, with the aim of significantly reshaping not only its own capabilities, but perhaps enterprise content management more broadly.
    — Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • High sugar content helps extend shelf life, with sugar as a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 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 4 Jun. 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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