Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim, design, end, goal, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is aim a more appropriate choice than intention?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of intention?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to intention?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When would goal be a good substitute for intention?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is it sensible to use intent instead of intention?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of intention?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of intention?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intention?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intention Ukraine suggested Putin has no intention to listen to peacemakers in the war. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025 Cosco said that this research highlights how these intentions to have fewer children are part of the root cause of the birth rate crisis. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 Paralinguistic voice analysis focuses on non-verbal elements of speech like tone, pitch, volume, pauses and rhythm that convey emotion, intention or attitude. Harshal Shah, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The intention is to keep kids safe, distracted and learning — while giving their parents a few extra hours' time to pursue their education. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • There’s a sense of purpose now for me that wasn’t there before.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 8 July 2025
  • But the main purpose of the tower is to add more beds, Northwestern wrote in the application.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Trump has also expressed intent to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
  • Not proving that intent could mean a lesser conviction like criminally negligent homicide with a 1-2 year prison sentence or reckless homicide at 2-4 years at the time.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • In 2023, lawmakers said the goal of the measure was to increase transparency.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The clothes gave the sense that Jacobs and his team must have had a ball coming up with these creations.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Those who can surrender a sense of control and stay curious throughout this new journey will feel the most aligned.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The meaning shifted with American baby showers and Pop culture, like Mattel’s barbie.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In 1689, Locke examined natural rights in the second treatise of Two Treatises on Government, but his first treatise established the full meaning of those rights.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • For them, the aim is not to hinder the use of AI, but to provide a voice for their members who want a seat at the table and an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with employers to ensure that AI use supports rather than harms employees.
    Oludolapo Makinde, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • All too familiar with the fixation consumers have on styling a not-so-effortlessly distressed L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is Niko Arredondo, a content creator based out of Phoenix, Ariz.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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