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

These collaborations are intended to drive breakthroughs from concept to real-world deployment, leveraging ORNL’s unique assets such as its microgrid testbeds, digital twin environments, and extensive energy science capabilities. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Feb. 2026

Metro then intends to complete the final phase of the extension in fall 2027, adding stations at Westwood/UCLA and Westwood/VA Hospital. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026

The rule intended to ensure balance created an advantage. —Jay Caruso, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026

The new decision tree is intended to prevent a repeat of those problems by laying out clear criteria the council must consider before putting another bond package on the ballot. —Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 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