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

• 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

That provision was intended to curb extra-long workdays. —Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 18 July 2024

The burial ceremony at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis — which is also the final resting place of President Benjamin Harrison — was intended to be private but was marred by thousands of curiosity seekers and the roar of airplanes hired by newspaper photographers. —Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2024

This is, in fact, what Trump intends to bring back to the White House. —Philip Bump, Washington Post, 17 July 2024

The sale is another sign the former president’s allies intend to capitalize on how Trump reacted after the shooting at a Saturday rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. —Adriana Gomez Licon, Fortune, 17 July 2024

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

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