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

Klapper said the structure was erected inside the Rhein-Center shopping mall and was originally intended to challenge the record for the largest drink coaster construction ever built. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

This expansion is a clear signal that Dubai intends to defend its lead. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026

It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. —Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026

This move is intended to stabilize the industry against the threat of tariffs and restore confidence in funding for the biotech sector. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 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