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

No, Squid Game was not intended to be three seasons. —Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 June 2025

Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025

Basically, the administration intends to fix the budget shortfall by using a soft-hand approach with hiring, personnel and operational matters. —Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Shawn is still struggling with his loss and intends to leave home forever. —Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 27 June 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