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

The new congressional maps proposed by the state’s Democrats, which Proposition 50 will implement, are intended to net the party five additional seats in the House—but their actual impact will still depend on races in those districts. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

Nalavade would not say exactly when in 2026 Waymo intends to begin ferrying customers. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

Originally intended to reduce churn and increase graduation rates, student success expanded into something much broader—a blend of traditional academic achievement, personal satisfaction, and even wellness. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025

Travel hiccups, tech glitches or a conversation that spirals a lot faster than intended could easily push your buttons. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

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