intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

intended; intending; intends

transitive verb

1

a

: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b

: to design for a specified use or future

2

a

: signify, mean

b

: to refer to

3

: to direct the mind on

4

archaic : to proceed on (a course)

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

intender noun

Synonyms of intend

• plan
• mean
• hope
• contemplate
• aim
• wish
• try
• go

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gharibabadi said Iran and the United States intend to formally sign the agreement on June 19 in Geneva, confirming the timeline previously announced by Pakistan. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 15 June 2026

In the face of aggressive pricing by Android flagships, Apple intends to absorb the higher component cost. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

The Bundeswehr says the force is intended to become fully operational for the defense of NATO’s eastern flank in the Baltic region within three years. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

Jarrett told us without ambivalence that the OPC intends to be welcoming to Republicans and to those who disagreed, and continue to disagree, with Obama’s point of view. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Rhymes for intend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend

Kids Definition

intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in mind as a purpose or aim : plan

intends to travel abroad next year

Legal Definition

intend

transitive verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal

did not intend to kill her