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

• conscious
• deliberate
• intended
• knowing
• purposeful
• purposive
• set
• voluntary
• willed
• willful
• wilful
• witting

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

Anderson, 33, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and mutilation of a corpse in the killing earlier this month of Sade Carleena Robinson. —Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

The investigation eventually led to Maxwell Anderson, who was arrested at a traffic stop April 4 has since been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and arson in Robinson's death. —Ashley Luthern, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024

Police declined to offer more information about the case Thursday, including whether the hit-and-run was suspected to be intentional. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024

Anderson was charged April 12 with intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and arson in connection with Robinson’s death, according to court documents. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2024

Consumers are also shifting their attention to wines rooted in origin and intentional production. —Elycia Rubin, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Apr. 2024

Suspect faces homicide and mutilation charges On Friday, Wisconsin authorities charged Anderson with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson of property other than a building. —Zoe Sottile, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024

Whether or not the inclusion of this real-world reference was intentional, the impact is likely going to be the same. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024

While OpenAI policies addressing misleading others and intentional deception arguably cover some, or all, such content, specifically naming these categories as being barred from creation and spread would give more clarity to users and protection to voters. —Mekela Panditharatne, TIME, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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