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 guide is clearly intended as a basic primer for the public rather than a tactical blueprint. — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

The project is intended to collect stories of people across the New South. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

In 2022, the WHO published a Nutrition and Promotion Profile Model for commercial foods intended for children aged 6-36 months. — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Misalignment describes the risk that a system’s goals or behavior diverge from what its developers actually intended, in ways that may not show up until the system is given more autonomy or capability. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 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