intend

verb

in·tend in-ˈtend

intended; intending; intends

Synonyms of intend next

transitive verb

: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

: to design for a specified use or future

: signify, mean

: to refer to

: to direct the mind on

archaic : to proceed on (a course)

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

intender noun

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect. We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web On Thursday morning, some agencies intend to start alerting many of these workers about the prospects of a funding lapse, which means they cannot be paid for as long as Congress fails to come to an agreement — though they would get paid back once any shutdown ends. —

Tony Romm, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 Utility company Idaho Power intends to use those dams as the backbone of its voluntary pledge to achieve 100% clean energy. —

Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2023 Sent Notes on Netflix Disaster Movie: ‘Scared the F-ck Out of Me,' Says Director Going into album number three, the singer intends to continue capturing her personal and creative development in the most candid way possible. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2023 The new dress code is intended to end the backlash sparked by Sen. John Fetterman’s penchant for wearing more casual attire, including during a recent appearance presiding over the Senate. —

WSJ, 28 Sep. 2023 The brand is built on Petroski’s ability to source grapes from some of the best growers in Napa, and for the moment, at least, Petroski intends to continue with that model. —

Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023 Two recently enacted federal laws, meanwhile, are intended to help working adults save more and get access to workplace retirement plans. —

Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 27 Sep. 2023 Despite these historic references, however, Hendricks intended for his art to be extremely approachable. —

Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2023 Such credits are, in general, intended to offset actual pollution by businesses, individuals, or governments. —

Kate Aronoff, The New Republic, 27 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of intend was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century