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

Yu told the Times, noting that free admission was intended specifically to encourage casual visitorship by people with limited time to engage with art and culture. —News Desk, Artforum, 9 Dec. 2025

Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney didn't intend to become to one of the most popular authors of children's books. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025

Groups like Road America that want to create a plate can submit an application that includes 500 signatures from people who intend to buy the plate and pay a $15,500 development fee. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025

Once those roots are about 1 inch long, plant the cuttings about 1 inch deep in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix intended for succulents and cacti. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 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