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 Regulation, however, takes intention and practice. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 But that was never Susannah’s intention, says Blanchard. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 Earlier this month, his administration announced intentions to gut the supplier diversity program, which has been in state law for over 40 years. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025 Joshua Jahn, 29, made his intention for Wednesday’s attack clear in writings and through a trail left on his devices, federal officials said. David K. Li, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The 10 counts of assault with intent to murder Ricklefs is charged with are up to a lifelong felony sentence, according to the news release.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Raven is part of an artistic generation intent on reading the landscape as a text, rather than as a muted slate.
    Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When asked about whether as many as 300,000 workers could lose their jobs, Vought emphasized the administration’s broader goal of shrinking Washington’s reach.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With a clearer picture of cash flow, an advisor can make investing recommendations based on your goals, risk tolerance and timeline.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Your goals can determine the type of account that makes the most sense.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For a generation living in great uncertainty—from the GFC to COVID to cost-of-living pressures—Trump’s disruptive appeal offers both a protest and a sense of control.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His plan is to pose as a Fish & Wildlife agent, there to question Catalina’s husband about poaching … and then what?
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Here's how Nike's quarterly performance fits into CEO Elliott Hill's broader turnaround plan.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rory McIlroy, who has played for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup in every tournament from 2010 to 2025, previously broke down the significance of the match-up and how a potential prize fund could change the meaning of the tournament.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Finn, who has been tattooing for more than 30 years, says tattoos carry different meanings for everyone.
    Kai McNamee, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The program, which was rolled out on Wednesday with the aim of attracting foreign professionals, will also test how China balances its immigration policy with its pursuit of technological ambitions.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The aim at Anfield was always success but small progressions would have been accepted, considering Liverpool had been only the fourth-best team in the Premier League under his predecessor Gerard Houllier.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The glare-free screen does black-and-white content at 300 ppi resolution, and goes down to 150 ppi for color.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025
  • This year, our content showcase features three projects that originated at MIA.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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