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

The service is intended to provide a more streamlined travel experience, including access to private terminals rather than crowded commercial airport facilities. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

The second decree was intended to make residential leases automatically renewable by tenants. — Joseph Wilson, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026

Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo, making opinions stronger, reactions quicker, and certain conversations easier to escalate than intended. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

One charter flight intended to carry Machado was denied permission to take off, the sources said. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 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