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

Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to restore safer passage through the strait. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Most cruise companies disclaim that onboard medical staff are intended to provide urgent or emergency care. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026

Officials say the attacks are intended to undermine support for Ukraine, spread fear and discord in European societies and drain investigative resources. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

The advertisement was intended to be a parody of the movie Obsession, but the execution missed the mark and included content that should not have been published on our channels. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 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