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intent

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intent
Noun
Jim's intent to sell is a major plot point throughout the final episodes. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 2025 Tullman, 65, described his intent to offer an upscale, all-adult experience with a dress code. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Adjective
If your child is intent on trying it, Dr. Spearman suggests asking what appeals to them about the approach, such as being frustrated with breakouts. Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 May 2025 Which classic Maserati should be a would-be-owner’s first choice comes down to aesthetic preferences, intent, and, of course, resources. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Nothing quite represents a club’s identity like the crest; that is its purpose by definition.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Consider adopting this framework, which is rooted in alignment, intention and daily practice.
    Tia Smith, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • The move comes after the Trump administration in March rolled out the CBP Home app, which allows migrants staying unlawfully in the United States to report their intention to self deport.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • The closest thing that comes to mind is probably Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, although this is Malick by way of Jane Campion and Michael Haneke, shifting between fleeting coming-of-age moments and scenes of resolute darkness and human cruelty.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
  • It was never sold in the U.S. thanks to the unwavering objections of a resolute reviewer at the FDA named Frances Oldham Kelsey.
    David Armstrong, CNN Money, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • By cutting $260 million, ARPA-E can dedicate its resources to funding a narrower set of high-risk, high-reward programs that could make a significant contribution to America’s energy goals.
    Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • This echoes back to the varied meanings of the title.
    Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
  • These abstract metaphors for legal deformation, social imprisonment, and corrupted meaning are spaces where American experience is currently, frequently twisted.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • And if culture is the battlefield, Abdul Muhammad II is determined to win—not with force, but with wisdom.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Animal lovers have been left in stitches by a young German shepherd dog who discovered a spot of light on the floor and was determined to get to the bottom of it.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • One factor is that younger generations are increasingly less interested in firefighting.
    Jason Cerrano, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
  • That begs a question: Why are the members of the conservative-leaning nonprofit American Accountability Foundation interested in what is placed in the collection of the Library of Congress?
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • While no single eating plan works for everyone, some diets may work better than others.
    Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
  • Connecticut adopted a phase out and ban plan for PFAs in 2024.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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