intend

1 of 2

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

intender

2 of 2

noun

in·​tend·​er

ə̇n‧ˈtendə(r)

plural -s

: a person who intends

Synonyms of intend

Verb

• plan
• mean
• hope
• contemplate
• aim
• wish
• try
• go

Examples of intend in a Sentence

Verb

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Ripley and other execs intend to pursue other deals as the broadcast sector contends with cord-cutting and ongoing shifts in viewer habit. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Firefighters continued a firing operation intended to remove vegetation ahead of the flames and strengthen containment lines. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

She was originally sentenced to 33 years in prison in late 2022, on what her supporters and rights groups said were bogus charges intended to prevent her return to politics. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Executives also fleshed out how Starlink intends to compete directly with the largest US mobile phone carriers. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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