intend

verb

in·tend | \ in-ˈtend

intended; intending; intends

Definition of intend

transitive verb

1a : to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b : to design for a specified use or future

2a : 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

Other Words from intend Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about intend

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Synonyms for intend

Synonyms

aim, allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern & Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect. We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of these ingredients are found in baby sunscreens, since the formulas are intended to be gentler on skin. — Vogue, "How to Find the Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin," 8 Aug. 2019 The laws are intended to shed light on influence efforts at the Statehouse and curb politicians from cashing in on government service. — Tony Cook, Indianapolis Star, "Former lawmaker catches heat for secretive deal with Indiana veterans agency," 7 Aug. 2019 Fans of the show, however, believed that the present was a psych-out gift for Sarah intended to stir up more drama. — Martha Sorren, Woman's Day, "Studio 19 Sent Sarah a Gift On 'Dance Moms,' and It Caused Serious Drama," 7 Aug. 2019 Her posts criticizing Southwest quickly went viral, but most commenters were on board (pun intended) with the flight staff's attempt to have fun by greeting passengers from an unexpected spot on the plane. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Southwest Flight Attendant Goes Viral After Climbing Into Overhead Compartment," 2 Aug. 2019 Mexico banned totoaba fishing in 1975, according to Rohrlich, but poachers continue to ensnare them—and vaquitas often get tangled up in gillnets intended for the large fish. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "There Are ‘At Most’ 19 Vaquitas Left in the Wild," 1 Aug. 2019 Doing so seems intended to circumvent congressional oversight and to hide decision-making processes from the public. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "The Turmoil at the BLM Is Threatening Public Lands," 30 July 2019 My skepticism was confirmed when moments after Logan and Veronica’s intensely anticipated wedding, Logan became the final casualty of a bomb planted by the Neptune bomber, intended for Veronica. — Ariana Brockington, refinery29.com, "Real Talk: Did That Tragic Veronica Mars Twist Really Need To Happen?," 25 July 2019 The State Department memo added: The UNHCR team speculated that the purpose of the killing was a campaign of ethnic cleansing intended to clear certain areas in the south of Rwanda for Tutsi habitation. — Maggie Calt, Harper's magazine, "Brutal from the Beginning," 22 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.