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

• plan
• mean
• hope
• contemplate
• aim
• wish
• try
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

During her tenure, council passed the Unified Development Ordinance, which is a comprehensive zoning and land development rulebook intended to guide future growth. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

All of it has a deeper religious meaning, but is also intended to appeal to the secular and spiritual. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

Pilates long been a core part—pun partially intended—of his regular physical activity regimen that includes hot yoga, rowing and biking as well. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

This sort of dog-whistling may be intended to lure hardline conservatives but has only normalized the far-right’s xenophobia. —Cole Stangler, Time, 9 Sep. 2025

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