intent

noun in·tent \ in-ˈtent \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

1 a : the act or fact of intending : purpose; especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act

admitted wounding him with intent

b : the state of mind with which an act is done : volition

2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : aim

the director's intent

3 a : meaning, significance

b : connotation 3

See intent defined for English-language learners

See intent defined for kids

Examples of intent in a Sentence

She thinks I'm trying to make things difficult for her, but that's not my intent.
The intent of the law is to protect consumers.
He was charged with assault with intent to kill.

Recent Examples of intent from the Web

Machado may be a free agent after the season, but should the Phillies trade for him now, with the intent of signing him long-term?

— scott lauber, Philly.com, "Series vs. Nats could tell us a lot about Phillies, Nick Pivetta | Extra Innings," 4 May 2018
Assistant Village Administrator Christina Burns in a report to the Village Board said the village selected the firm with the intent of replicating the survey every two years to provide regular benchmarks.

— linda girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Trustees want more information on proposed Oswego survey," 4 May 2018
The association said Sunday the intent of the dinner's program is to offer a unifying message about our common commitment to a vigorous and free press while honoring civility, great reporting and scholarship winners, not to divide people.

— christina bellantoni, latimes.com, "How a political dinner made Michelle Wolf a household name," 30 Apr. 2018
The bond payments for the city could simply be exempted from the cap, thereby rendering the intent of the cap meaningless.

— christopher keating, courant.com, "House GOP Leader Questions Hartford Bailout," 26 Apr. 2018
Ross wasn’t referenced again in the story so the intent of the march and how the idea was received is unclear.

— chris perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins' Ross proposed 'march on Washington' by owners, players during secret meeting, report says," 25 Apr. 2018
A few weeks ago, one homeowner divided ownership interest in his home among 1,000 trusts with the intent of filing objections on behalf of each.

— elliot njus, OregonLive.com, "Handful of homeowners could topple Eastmoreland historic district proposal," 25 Apr. 2018
Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland hasn't had the career envisioned when the Buffalo Bills chose him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the intent of inserting the former Alabama All-American into their starting lineup.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Reggie Ragland 'getting a little sexy' in preparation for 2018 NFL season," 21 Apr. 2018
The intent of the extension is to give more time for Mayor-elect LaToya Cantrell and the utility to locate a permanent executive director through a search firm.

— beau evans, NOLA.com, "Sewerage & Water Board extends interim leader's contract 2 weeks," 18 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of intent

Middle English entente, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin intentus, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intendere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

intent Synonyms

Synonyms

content, denotation, drift, import, intention, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification;

Related Words

connotation;

clue, cue, hint, implication, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion;

message, tenor, theme;

bottom, essence, essentiality, nature, soul, spirit, stuff;

acceptance, acceptation, definition;

burden, crux, gist;

core, heart, kernel, marrow, nub, nucleus, pith, point, quick;

Synonym Discussion of intent

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

- announced his intention to marry

intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

- the clear intent of the statute

purpose suggests a more settled determination.

- being successful was her purpose in life

design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

- the order of events came by accident, not design

aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

- her aim was to raise film to an art form

end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

- willing to use any means to achieve his end

object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

- his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

- their objective is to seize the oil fields

goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

- worked years to reach her goals

intent

adjective

1 : directed with strained or eager attention : concentrated

2 : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose

intent on their work

—

intently

adverb

—

intentness

noun

See intent defined for English-language learners

Examples of intent in a Sentence

intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show
he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

Recent Examples of intent from the Web

The club has also lacked star power for a number of years, and with Audi Field opening July 14, D.C. seems intent to add one or two marquee players soon.

— steven goff, Pro Soccer USA, "Wayne Rooney in serious talks about signing with D.C. United," 9 May 2018
The club has also lacked star power for a number of years, and with Audi Field opening July 14, D.C. seems intent to add one or two marquee players soon.

— steven goff, chicagotribune.com, "Wayne Rooney in serious talks about signing with D.C. United," 9 May 2018
While fighting back tears at times after the Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention for yet another disappointing finish last season, Witten seemed intent on playing a 16th season.

— schuyler dixon, Houston Chronicle, "Source: Cowboys' Jason Witten confirms he's retiring, headed to ESPN," 3 May 2018
Staging the summit there gives Moon a bit of a home-field advantage, but the South Korean president seems intent on making sure Kim feels at ease, and has sequestered most of the media far away.

— Washington Post, "Rival Koreas’ leaders face high stakes at historic summit," 26 Apr. 2018
Staging the summit there gives Moon a bit of a home-field advantage, but the South Korean president seems intent on making sure Kim feels at ease, and has sequestered most of the media far away.

— Fox News, "Rival Koreas' leaders face high stakes at historic summit," 25 Apr. 2018
Despite his persistent injury and fitness trouble, the 22-year-old has impressed Mourinho this season with his attitude and the United boss seems intent on using him carefully to protect him.

— SI.com, "Report: Man United Confident Over Toby Alderweireld Signing," 9 Mar. 2018
Jackson's visit tells me -- unlike with a few front offices previously -- the Browns are intent on informing their choice by scrutinizing all the possibilities.

— bud shaw, cleveland.com, "Dorsey's scouting background and connections raise hopes for the Browns -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin," 13 Apr. 2018
He was also found guilty of distributing more than 50 grams of meth and possessing with then intent to distribute more than five grams of meth in August 2015.

— anna beahm, AL.com, "Gadsden man imported meth from California through FedEx, U.S. Attorney says," 5 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of intent

Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

intent Synonyms

Phrases

on one's mettle;

INTENT Defined for English Language Learners

intent

noun

: the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

intent

adjective

: showing concentration or great attention

INTENT Defined for Kids

intent

noun in·tent \ in-ˈtent \

1 : what someone plans to do or accomplish : purpose

Upsetting her was not my intent.

2 : meaning 2

What is the author's intent?

intent

adjective

1 : showing concentration or great attention

an intent gaze

2 : showing great determination

They were intent on going.

—

intently

adverb

I listened intently.

Law Dictionary

intent

noun in·tent \ in-ˈtent \

1 : the act or fact of intending: as

a : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act — called also criminal intent; compare knowledge, mens rea, motive, negligence

b : the purpose to commit a tortious act having consequences that the actor desires and believes or knows will occur

— constructive intent

: intent that is inferred to exist (as from willfulness or recklessness) in relation to an act

— criminal intent

: intent 1a

— general intent

: intent to perform an illegal act without the desire for further consequences or a precise result

there was a general intent to assault but not to kill

— specific intent

: intent to perform an illegal act with the knowledge or purpose that particular results will or may ensue

assaulted him with specific intent to kill

— transferred intent

1 : intent attributed to a person who intends to cause another harm when the harm is accidentally inflicted on an unintended victim

2 : a doctrine in tort and criminal law: a wrongdoer who causes harm to a person other than the one intended may nevertheless be held to have intended the harmful result

2 a : intendment — see also legislative intent

b : the purpose of a document (as a contract or will)

c : the aim or goal of a person in creating a document or taking an action