intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: done by intention or design : intended

intentional damage

2

a

: of or relating to epistemological intention

b

: having external reference

intentionality

in-ˌten(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms of intentional

• deliberate
• conscious
• voluntary
• intended

Choose the Right Synonym for intentional

voluntary, intentional, deliberate, willing mean done or brought about of one's own will.

voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

Examples of intentional in a Sentence

an intentional and premeditated killing

I apologize for the omission of your name from the list. It was not intentional.

Recent Examples on the Web

This hairstyle is all about intentional shape, glossy movement, and loads of volume. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025

The project, or at least its initial episodes, is also a master class in being an intentional celebrity. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025

The family believes the damage was intentional. —Ross Dimattei, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

In glossy patent leathers and with house emblems, these spring-ready shoes build on fall’s modern prep look, offering a sharp and intentional anchor for crisp shirting and pleated trousers. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for intentional

• attentional
• conventional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• unintentional
• multidimensional
• unidimensional

Kids Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈtench-nəl 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl

: done by intention : not accidental

intentionally

-ˈtench-nə-lē 

-ˈten-chən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten-chə-nəl 

: done with intent

an intentional tort

intentional discrimination

intentionally adverb