intend

verb in·tend \ in-ˈtend \

|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Examples: intend in a Sentence

Definition of intend

intended; intending; intends

transitive verb

1 : to direct the mind on

2 archaic : to proceed on (a course)

3 a : signify, mean

b : to refer to

4 a : to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b : to design for a specified use or future

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

—

intender

noun

See intend defined for English-language learners

See intend defined for kids

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.
We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples of intend from the Web

The state intends to spend $3.1 million next year resurfacing 2.7 miles of 96th Avenue in Palos Park.

— ted slowik, Daily Southtown, "State targets roadwork throughout south suburbs in new 6-year plan," 1 June 2018
The advisors also intend to look over the EPA’s decision in April to revoke automobile emissions standards for vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2025.

— jeff tollefson, Scientific American, "EPA Science Advisors Question “Secret Science” Rule on Data Transparency," 1 June 2018
The agency doesn’t intend to entertain such requests, but is also bracing for court challenges to that decision, according to a senior administration official.

— christopher m. matthews, WSJ, "EPA Gives $30 Million-Plus in Ethanol Credits to Oil Refiners, Angers Corn Growers," 31 May 2018
But despite the threat of a blue wave, McConnell intends to run again to be the majority leader and run for reelection in 2020, according to Politico.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Mitch McConnell will soon be the longest-serving GOP Senate leader," 31 May 2018
The McDowell County Schools intends to reopen Thursday, but on a two hour delay, said McDowell County Emergency Management.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "50 NC roads impassable due to flooding, mudslides, fallen trees, say state officials," 31 May 2018
Disney also intends to produce four to five original movies a year, including a brand new Star Wars trilogy written and directed by Star Wars: The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "Disney is Starting To Cast Their "High School Musical" TV Series!," 31 May 2018
Amazon and Whole Foods intend to continue expanding that service to markets nationwide throughout 2018, according to the release.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "All Whole Foods stores in Louisiana now offer Amazon Prime benefits: Here's what you get," 30 May 2018
Trademarks are classified by category and may include items that a company does not intend to market.

— erika kinetz, USA TODAY, "China approves 13 new Ivanka Trump trademarks in 3 months," 28 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of intend

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

intend Synonyms

Synonyms

aim, aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose;

Related Words

dream, hope, wish;

consider, debate, mull (over), ponder;

attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try;

plot, scheme;

accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform;

Phrases

figure on;

INTEND Defined for English Language Learners

intend

verb

Definition of intend for English Language Learners

: to plan or want to do (something) : to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal
: to plan for or want (someone or something) to do or be something
: to want (something that you control, provide, or have made) to be used for a particular purpose or by a particular person