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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
Machine learning models interpret motor intent, such as thinking about tapping your finger, and translate that into actions on the iPad. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Ancora Holdings chairman and CEO Fredrick DiSanto and Ancora Alternatives president James Chadwick penned the letter on Aug. 6, days after Chadwick appeared on CNBC and telegraphed a possible intent to enforce change at CSX. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The Patriots seem intent on only giving Dugger second-team reps in the fourth week of training camp. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025 For whatever that finale was, King seems intent that he’s done with the series but seemingly doesn’t rule out another. Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • This information is for educational purposes and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice.
    Heather L. Locus, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • It was once used as an anticonvulsant and sedative, but today is primarily used for cleaning, manufacturing and agricultural purposes, according to the National Institutes of Health.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party which has topped recent voting intention polls, set out plans for mass deportations of migrants who crossed from mainland Europe in small boats if his party were to form the next government.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Leaders who lead with intention—not just metrics—are creating happier workplaces where people thrive, feel valued, and stay meaningfully engaged.
    Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The market has been resolute in holding to a view that there will be a rate cut in September so far.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Heat comparison: With Young a year from potential free agency, the Hawks were resolute in augmenting a roster that lost at home to Miami in the play-in.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • As a whole, aviation has a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, although that gets less likely by the year as sustainable aviation fuel development and scaling stalls.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Nicolas Rodriguez, another second-half substitute, scored his first goal in purple in the 83rd minute.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In a world of student loans and ever-increasing housing costs, the notion of devoting all of your time to obsessing over the meaning of nineteenth-century poetry does indeed feel like more of a fantasy than witchcraft or demons.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The debate over the meaning of freedom persists not just because the concept is elusive as a political ideal but because the structures of power that threaten freedom are ever evolving.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its presence had long gone unnoticed — until some determined scientists visited.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Seven months in, the administration is determined to keep that pledge.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Benjamin Poff, assistant professor of audio engineering technology, said most of his students also play in bands and are interested in learning about how to protect their hearing.
    Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Manchester City were interested in signing Luiz on loan in January, as reported by The Athletic at the time, but Juventus’ preference was either to offload the midfielder with a sale or a loan with an obligation to buy and a deal never materialised.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Residents vehemently rejected a 2019 plan to demolish two buildings with new infill construction, raising questions about how a majority chose a complete tear-down just years later.
    Stacy Torres, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The judge has denied Musk’s request to block OpenAI’s restructuring plans, tossed out some of Musk’s claims and permitted OpenAI’s counterclaim to proceed.
    John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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