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

However, Hwang never intended that to be the message. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around. —Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025

The playwrights intended the drama as an allegorical parable for the age shaped by Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy. —Time, 10 July 2025

The pop culture phenomenon features documentaries, educational programming and entertainment shows intended to celebrate and explore the biology, behavior and importance of sharks within marine ecosystems. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 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