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

LeVota previously announced a set of tax policies intended to offset debts and damages from the last several Jackson County property assessment cycles, particularly the 2023 cycle. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026

Her aunt Karen, for example, gave her an Easter basket embroidered with the nickname Shelly; her grandmother intended to give it to her for Easter 1983. —Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

Talk show host Kelly Ripa never intended for her dream dress from her 1996 elopement to Mark Consuelos to be one-and-done. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 31 May 2026

Since the start of this third season, a theory has circulated that Demie intends to stop acting entirely after the series wraps. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 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