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 But, these figures shifted dramatically at the mention of Musk, who revealed his intention to launch his own party, the America Party, after falling out with President Donald Trump. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025 Trump appointed him to a senior position at the Department of Justice after his win, an unusual step that underlined his intention to eliminate the traditional strict separation between the White House and the Department of Justice. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 July 2025 The semiconductor company had previously disclosed its intentions to cut 20% of its global workforce, which would equate to 21,000 workers worldwide. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 17 July 2025 Abrego Garcia's attorneys have noted that the government has contradicted itself about its intentions. —Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 16 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
  • Question: My boyfriend and I bought as joint tenants a home in south Scottsdale for investment purposes.
    — Christopher A. Combs, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Pichardo pleaded guilty on April 3 to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of cocaine, heroin, and other opioids, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Thompson is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
    — Christina Coulter, People.com, 15 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
  • Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • These questions are helping businesses turn everyday items into brand moments and, in some cases, into movements created through commonality and a sense of community. 5.
    — Douglas Gregory, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Does this album feel different from other projects after achieving that sense of liberation?
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 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
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.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
  • 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
  • The aim of this strategy is to curb the technological and military advancements of the country.
    — Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of aim
Noun
  • Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content.
    — Nena Farrell, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • This content evolution already began after streamers like Netflix and Amazon entered the advertising market, but there have been a flurry of series co-produced and co-financed between traditional TV groups and SVOD services in the last four years.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 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 22 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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