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

The park's smaller size and layout are intended to be manageable for young children and their families. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 1 July 2026

The lobster had been intended for delivery to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota but, most likely ended up being sold on the black market to restaurants or distributors. — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

In a last-ditch effort in the waning days of the session, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill legislators said was intended to bar teacher unions from using taxpayer money for union activities. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

There’s not much room left to sign anyone else outright unless Jeff Peterson, the Hornets’ president of basketball operations, intends on doing more wheeling and dealing. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 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