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

One play later, Carolina walked away empty-handed after Brown came down with Young’s pass intended for tight end Mitchell Evans in the back of the end zone. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025

Mason intends to pursue his leadership aspirations outside of Citi by the end of 2026, the company stated in the announcement. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

The artwork Elton John has displayed on the walls of his home in the Hollywood Hills wasn’t necessarily intended to reinforce a running theme. —Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Nov. 2025

Just over half have either received the flu vaccine for their children or plan to, while the other half either do not intend to vaccinate their children or are still unsure. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 25 Nov. 2025

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