intend

1 of 2

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

intender

2 of 2

noun

in·​tend·​er

ə̇n‧ˈtendə(r)

plural -s

: a person who intends

Synonyms of intend

Verb

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

Examples of intend in a Sentence

Verb

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

State officials say the legislation is intended to attract companies developing next-generation energy technologies. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026

During attempts to resuscitate the girl, doctors at the practice administered Flumazenil, a drug intended to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine medications, according to the warrant. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

The case, which Step Up settled for $3 million, alleged that the nonprofit and Southern California developer Shangri-La had misused state money intended to build affordable housing. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

The blackout period is intended to prevent Fed officials from influencing financial markets or creating the appearance that some investors have advance access to information that could move markets. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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