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

Atlanta Beltline officials say the service is intended to help close fist- and last-mile transit gaps before by linking riders with transportation, campuses, workplaces, businesses, parks and other destinations across Southwest Atlanta. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

This was the last update on the baby’s health the family intended to share, Budner said. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

In his view, many teens are approaching these chatbots for emotional support, but problems arise because these products were not intended for that purpose. — Alex Hartman, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

The trust fund was established by his parents in 1993, the year of his birth, and was intended to benefit Reiner. — Blanche Marcel, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 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