intent 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈtent How to pronounce intent (audio)
Definition of intentnext
1
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings; that wasn't my intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intention
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action the wording was a little unclear, but I think I grasped the intent

Synonyms & Similar Words

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Cullen was convicted in 2000 of possession with intent to deliver THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025 While praising intent, Farley cautioned that current policies alone will not solve the demand crisis; as production expands domestically, the absence of a skilled workforce could drive up costs, create delays, and ultimately hurt both businesses and consumers. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Her acting roots remain visible, but KIPS is the work of a producer and architect—someone intent on shaping a platform rather than waiting for a script. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 Sep. 2025 Even though Dana was punched in the face by a patient and seemed intent on quitting at the end of Season 1, the teaser trailer for The Pitt season 2, however, confirmed that Dana is still at the hospital and still acting as the emergency room's charge nurse. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
  1. purpose
  2. intention
  3. resolute
  4. focused
  5. goal
  6. meaning
  7. determined
  8. interested
Noun
  • Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.
    — Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Your intention may be to transition your closet from winter to spring this weekend.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Under Wood, Sacramento State has made their intentions clear to elevate their football program from the second-tier FCS to top-tier FBS.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have been drafted in at centre-half, through no fault of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, and have been resolute.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Takaichi has promised to be a resolute leader, but will need to learn the art of compromise while juggling priorities and trade-offs on domestic policies.
    — Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of resolute
Adjective
  • The former featured a more straightforward pop sound, while the latter was heavily R&B-focused.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The best CEOs are less worried about how their own reputation might fare in the transition, and more focused on how the change will impact the institution moving forward.
    — Kurt Strovink, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of focused
Noun
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    — Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • After a recent Rangers’ preseason game, Sullivan was shown a video clip of the goal.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • After releasing her latest album, Swift reflected on her admiration for Taylor and explained the meaning behind the song named after her.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Along those lines, some Division I athletes might gain recognition as employees within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act and/or the Fair Labor Standards Act.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Carman is determined to keep expanding her work and wants every first responder to have access to a therapy dog.
    — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The vehicle will primarily drive pre-determined routes, act as a visual crime deterrent and display key messages to the community from its windows.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • At an August meeting, Hardtke said the town board heard from data center companies interested in the site.
    — Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Leaders may be especially interested in data on how AI is impacting competition and jobs.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of interested

Browse Nearby Words

intensively
intent
intention
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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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