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

• plan
• mean
• hope
• contemplate
• aim
• wish
• try
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

And the project is taking advantage of a loophole in Greenlandic law intended to ban oil drilling. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

Like Apple’s Vision Pro headset, Samsung’s headset is intended for productivity and entertainment. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

City officials intend to demolish the Markham Street courthouse, but funding for the work has not been identified, Grant Cox, a Public Works Department official, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via email recently. —Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025

The documentary, Peck said, is intended to convey his frustration that Orwell’s name has too often been flattened into an adjective, and 1984 into mere speculative fiction. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025

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