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

Given these circumstances, most of the music written for mandolin (eighty-five volumes were published in Paris between 1761 and 1783) was intended for amateurs, often women. —Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026

An official said eligibility isn’t affected for candidates who lose their homes but intend to return to their community. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

And CesiumAstro’s communications technology will play a significant role in Artemis III, NASA’s next lunar mission which intends to put humans back on the moon’s surface. —Brandon Lingle, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026

They are intended for the safe recovery of those under age 18 who have been abducted or whose circumstances indicate that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Apr. 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