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

These spaces are intended for everyone, and pay the same attention to simple design, balanced nuance and act as a throughway between the interior and exterior world. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "Atelier Ace's New New York City Hotel Wants to Help You Clear Your Head," 14 May 2019 Of course, the free hit of Big Little Lies is clearly intended to get viewers hooked ahead of Season 2, which premieres on June 9 on HBO. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "You Can Stream 'Big Little Lies' Free on YouTube This Weekend, Even If You Don't Have HBO," 12 May 2019 This one-two punch is intended to clean the skin more thoroughly, as the first cleanser dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and other heavy products, while the second cleanser gets rid of anything that’s left over. — Sara Coughlin, SELF, "Is Double Cleansing Truly Worth Your Precious Time?," 1 May 2019 Blundstone boots were originally intended for laborers working in Tasmania’s harsh outback during Australia’s colonial days in the late-19th century. — Ha Duong, WSJ, "These Are the Ideal, Affordable, All-Weather Men’s Boots," 18 Apr. 2019 The ongoing pause is intended to give Hallmark time to rework the upcoming episodes, but there's no word on whether the network plans to cut Abigail's character completely or simply find a replacement. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "'When Calls the Heart' Star Erin Krakow Speaks Out Amid the Lori Loughlin Drama," 9 Apr. 2019 The documentary is intended to showcase the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, two men who Jackson befriended as children, and who claim to have been molested by him. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Michael Jackson's Defenders Remind Us to Also Believe Men," 13 Mar. 2019 It was intended for rooms and environments where customers might ordinarily not want a traditional TV set breaking up the vibe. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "Samsung’s stylish The Frame and Serif 4K TVs will soon come in more sizes with better picture quality," 19 Dec. 2018 The note was intended to avoid delays to ceremonies, as a courtesy to everyone attending. — Alexandra Deabler, Fox News, "Student says Oxford University turned her away from graduation because of 'provocative' ankles," 28 Sep. 2018

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.