intention

noun in·ten·tion \ in-ˈten(t)-shən \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: intention in a Sentence

Definition of intention

1 : a determination to act in a certain way : resolve

2 : import, significance

3 a : what one intends to do or bring about

b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered

4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds

5 : concept; especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge

6 intentions plural : purpose with respect to marriage

See intention defined for English-language learners

See intention defined for kids

Examples of intention in a Sentence

She announced her intention to run for governor.
He seemed to think that I was trying to cause problems, but that was never my intention.
He bought a dog with the intention of training it to attack intruders.
He has good intentions, but his suggestions aren't really helpful.

Recent Examples of intention from the Web

All of that points to one conclusion: North Korea lied about its nuclear program — and its intentions to dismantle it — to keep extracting concessions from the US.

— alex ward, Vox, "Let’s just say it looks like North Korea is lying about giving up its nukes.," 2 July 2018
The show’s joyful spirit and abundance of spandex belies its intentions.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Working Women of GLOW," 1 July 2018
Garcetti chose Moore from three finalists, all LAPD veterans, submitted to him after Beck announced his intention to retire by the civilian commission that oversees the department.

— cindy chang, latimes.com, "LAPD veteran Michel Moore promises 'compassion and partnership' while sworn in as police chief," 29 June 2018
Wanting maximum leverage in simultaneous negotiations with China, the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, the administration – understandably – has not revealed its true intentions.

— laurent belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, "Tough talk or a trade war? Many US firms frozen in suspense.," 29 June 2018
El Santo and Tomatillo have both announced their intentions to open other locations, which even in the worst of times illustrates the very nature of the taqueria.

— mike sula, Chicago Reader, "Chicago's taco game is strong: these 3 spots prove the taqueria, if nothing else, abides," 27 June 2018
The Marlins reiterated their intentions recently to remain patient in terms of developing their top prospects such as Alcantara.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "Marlins bringing up club's top pitching prospect Sandy Alcantara to make his debut," 27 June 2018
But there was also no intention of offering them long-term protection.

— brian goldstone, The New Republic, "Essential reporting, interpretation, and opinion on politics and culture. Don't miss our latest.," 26 June 2018
If a fighter jet approaches another country's destroyer, the ship will demand the pilot declare his intentions.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "Is a Space Force Really the Best Way to Defend Space?," 22 June 2018

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

First Known Use of intention

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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intention Synonyms

Synonyms

content, denotation, drift, import, intent, 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 intention

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

INTENTION Defined for English Language Learners

intention

noun

Definition of intention for English Language Learners

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

INTENTION Defined for Kids

intention

noun in·ten·tion \ in-ˈten-shən \

Definition of intention for Students

1 : a determination to act in a particular way

She announced her intention to run for president.

2 : an aim or plan

It's his intention to win.

Medical Dictionary

intention

noun in·ten·tion \ in-ˈten-chən \

medical Definition of intention

1 : a determination to act in a certain way

2 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds — see first intention, second intention

Law Dictionary

intention

noun in·ten·tion \ in-ˈten-chən \

legal Definition of intention

: something intended : intent

the intention of the testator

Note: Intent is more commonly used than intention when speaking technically especially about the criminal and tort concepts of intent (senses 1a and 1b).