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 demonstrations are intended to test the practical requirements of operating electric air taxis in existing transportation infrastructure, including airport access, air traffic coordination and passenger connections. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Medik8 also uses carnosine, an ingredient intended to help protect these structural proteins from damage caused by sugars binding to them, which can contribute to skin stiffness over time. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The report shows Florida intends to spend its cash quickly, all before 2028. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Dyed diesel is intended for off-road use, such as powering tractors and harvesters, while regular diesel is used in vehicles that travel on public roads, including trucks hauling agricultural goods. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 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