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

This exercise is intended to not only show where the Rangers have players in place for 2026-27, and which spots those players are likely to occupy, but also to highlight the most glaring holes. —Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Pritzker spokesperson Matt Hill said the governor’s order was intended to proactively block potential abuses and was not prompted by any specific concerns about state employees’ conduct. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Both projects helped reshape not only the hospital’s expanding capabilities but were intended to project a modern image of a destination for increasingly sophisticated health care. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026

Developed by Kentucky Chef Joe Allman in the 1930s, this regional dish has spread (no pun intended) across the country. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 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