intention

noun

in·ten·tion | \in-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of intention

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

2 : import, significance

3a : 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

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about intention

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

But that doesn’t mean that the intentions behind the bill shouldn’t be taken seriously. — Zeeshan Aleem, Vox, "Trump is single-handedly trying to blow up international trade," 2 July 2018 This interview with Crenshaw explores what her original intention behind the term and her views on how intersectionality operates in the world. — Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, "raceAhead: Bryan Stevenson's Call To Action for CEOs," 27 June 2018 Although Philadelphia is among the top cities that attract Akwaaba’s repeat travelers, Greenwood didn’t have any intention of adding a Philadelphia locale to her real estate portfolio until November. — Elizabeth Wellington, Philly.com, "Akwaaba Philadelphia: The bed-and-breakfast that speaks to black people opens in West Philadelphia | Elizabeth Wellington," 26 June 2018 The Russian state has never interfered and has no intention of interfering in the U.S. elections,’’ Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said Friday. — Eric Tucker, BostonGlobe.com, "Moscow accused of US election meddling in indictment," 13 July 2018 The harsh rhetoric suggested that Trump had no intention of patching up relationships bruised by a contentious Group of Seven summit in Canada last month. — Gregory Korte, USA TODAY, "Trump blasts Germany as being 'captive to Russia' in tiff over NATO defense spending," 11 July 2018 The two teams immediately behind them in the playoff spot were the Rays, who could not hit, and the Twins, who quite literally had no intention of competing that year. — Sam Mellinger, kansascity, "Mellinger Minutes: Whit not an All-Star (?), Jeff Long and KU, Chiefs fears, Odom's crossroads," 10 July 2018 The publication has stated that the 2018 Champions League finalists have no intentions of signing the 24-year-old, as Klopp looks to pursue other targets ahead of the coming season. — SI.com, "Report Clarifies Claims of Liverpool's Interest in Juventus Star Paulo Dybala," 10 July 2018 But Ronaldo has no intention of hanging up his boots soon. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "Cristiano Ronaldo to Join Italy’s Juventus in $117 Million Deal," 10 July 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.

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Dictionary Entries near intention

intensive pronoun

intensive proposition

Phrases Related to intention

have every intention of

have no intention of

Statistics for intention

Last Updated

13 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for intention

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

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More Definitions for intention

intention

noun

English Language Learners Definition of intention

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

See the full definition for intention in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intention

noun

in·ten·tion | \in-ˈten-shən

Kids Definition of intention

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.

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

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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).