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

Together, these technologies are intended to make fusion power reliable, cost-competitive and suitable for commercial operation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Missouri's Republican attorney general and governor quickly said that the state intended to use the redrawn map, prompting the state Supreme Court to consider whether the state's top election officer should be held in contempt. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026

Drake Maye's deep shot intended for Romeo Doubs near the goal-line was broken up by safety Rodney Thomas II, and the carom was eventually intercepted by Nehemiah Pritchett. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

While 71% of parents intend to divide assets equally, only about half of adult children expect or prefer that outcome, the study said. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

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