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

Officials outlined a Preferential Trade Zone with price floors intended to stabilize markets battered by oversupply and price suppression. —Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 7 Feb. 2026

In 1924, the FDA passed the Standard Milk Ordinance (now known as the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance), which was intended to standardize and enhance safety measures for dairy products across the United States. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2026

But can it get finished as originally intended? —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026

The child and dependent care tax credit is intended for people who work or are looking for work and who have children under 13. —Sarah Moreno february 6, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 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