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

Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the NUG, told the AP that the commissioning of new aircraft is intended to enhance continued airstrikes on civilian areas. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

While intended as a pandemic-era stimulus program, the breakthrough measure was seen as boosting the euro’s status as reserve asset. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

On April 28, its board of governors met via Zoom and determined that films that had been intended for a theatrical release prior to COVID would be allowed to qualify that year via the Academy’s members-only streaming service — which, fortuitously, had been opened to all films only months before. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

Like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and other vertical video platforms, Bravoverse is intended to be easy to tap through. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Mar. 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