intentional

adjective

in·​ten·​tion·​al in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl 

-ˈtench-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

• 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

Instead of chasing maximalism, Kecskés said Disassociates are finding power in the absence by creating intentional voids of color, detail, individuality and opinion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

Brown, 36, has filed portions of his April deposition in the civil court matter as part of his new request that the judge strike the housekeeper’s claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress and punitive damages from her lawsuit. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025

There’s lots of value to be found in a few hours of intentional play. —Tharin Pillay, Time, 21 Oct. 2025

This entire combo feels so effortless yet composed, the kind of outfit that looks intentional even after a red-eye. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 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