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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
Lee was taken into custody and charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute and a single count of operating a drug factory and interfering with police. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2025 Afterward, Brown pleaded not guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent, The New York Times reports. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Adjective
Throughout season 2, Dante Cress is the mysterious foe who is intent on plunging the U.S. into darkness by taking out the power grid and starting a nuclear war with Russia. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 17 June 2025 The two women, Jones and Larsen, were intent on being the first. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • However, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of physicians have the best of intentions, these new rules will have a chilling effect on both veterans seeking health care and providers caring for them.
    Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Her intentions may have been good, but your mother’s edict was not helpful.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Like most political arguments, each stakeholder adopts a resolute adversarial position that disallows finding common ground.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • In statements reported by state media on Sunday, China’s top political adviser Wang Huning echoed Beijing’s position, calling for the promotion of national reunification with Taiwan and for resolute opposition to Taiwan independence.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • After being shut out in the group stage opener, Man City's superstar Erling Haaland has caught fire, scoring a goal in each of their past two matches.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Our goals are to return to holding youth accountable for their actions while simultaneously providing them with the necessary resources and programming to get them back on track for success.
    Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Employees—especially those in emotionally demanding or client-facing roles—need to see the meaning in their work.
    Pete First, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • But songs have all kinds of meanings for people, and evidently this struck a chord.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ter Stegen is determined to stay at Barca, where he is settled on a personal level and ready to challenge for the No 1 spot.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • That legislation collapsed when then-Sen. John McCain famously cast a thumbs-down vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is determined to avoid that outcome, sticking to the schedule and pressing ahead with voting expected by the end of the week.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • The extent of his role remains disputed by Modi, who told Trump that India was not interested in third-party mediation over the Kashmir dispute during their call Tuesday, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Village staff has suggested relocating the dog park if trustees are interested in keeping it open.
    Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Muon Space plans for the constellation to be able to scan every point on Earth every 20 minutes, with more wildfire prone areas being scanned more frequently.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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