intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl How to pronounce intentional (audio)
Definition of intentionalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Even in more playful silhouettes, Johnson’s focus has remained on intentional materiality and movement. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 20 May 2025 The co-creators told IndieWire this visual association was intentional and important. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 19 May 2025 Each piece played with color and shine in a way that felt intentional, powerful, but still playful. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 19 May 2025 Investigators say the clinic was targeted and are treating the bombing as an intentional act of domestic terrorism. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
  1. deliberate
  2. conscious
  3. voluntary
  4. intended
Adjective
  • Cannes got its own cliff-hanger ending on Saturday, the final day of the 78th film festival, when a power outage, apparently caused by deliberate sabotage, shut down the power grid serving the city and much of the surrounding region.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
  • The most effective tech leaders develop broad expertise through deliberate exploration and interactions.
    — Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • Alonso was conscious of this when speaking on Thursday in Spain.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Plus, the adjustable cinch waist is equally as flattering for hiking trails as navigating the style conscious streets of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
    — Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • There were only five no-shows Tuesday for the Falcons’ voluntary camp, and Cousins was among them.
    — Terence Moore, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Another received 12 to 15 years for voluntary manslaughter.
    — Melissa Noel, Essence, 28 May 2025
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • The proposal has been controversial among lawmakers and advocates who say the state shouldn’t dip into that money for anything other than its intended purpose.
    — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
  • Each project begins with a thorough technical and structural assessment of the cargo and its intended route.
    — Umberto Cavallaro, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of intended

Browse Nearby Words

intention
intentional
intentionally
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Cite this Entry

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

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