intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
intended; intending; intends
Synonyms of intendnext

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
b
: to refer to
3
: to direct the mind on
4
archaic : to proceed on (a course)
intender noun

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect. We intended that she come with us.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hospital representatives said the petitions were intended to protect incapacitated patients who are too disabled to make their own decisions and who have no family or friends willing or able to take charge. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 Prosecutors say that Allen tried to storm the dinner − where Vice President JD Vance and others from the administration were also in attendance − with multiple guns and knives, intending to kill high-ranking officials. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 May 2026 The framing captures the intensity of the city but also its evasiveness—these cars are neither here nor there but on their way somewhere else, underscoring Hong Kong’s historical identity as a transit hub, an entrepôt, a place intended for people to pass through, not to stay in. Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026 The consequence is that the Voting Rights Act of 1965—a landmark statute that was intended to insure racially equal electoral opportunity—has been read out of existence. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intend

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intend was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intend. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

intend

verb
in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce intend (audio)
: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal
did not intend to kill her

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