intent 1 of 2

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

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
According to a press release by the company, the NRC has indicated its intent to complete the review process by the end of 2025 and to issue a Safety Evaluation (SE) of the PDC report by April 2026. Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025 For all intents and purposes, the tournament was over the moment Scheffler’s pitch bounced off that pin for birdie. Brody Miller, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
This ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 Today, many companies seem intent on convincing consumers of debit’s coolness. Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • Someday, yes, but not conventionally now (there are efforts underway to devise specialized LLMs that can achieve those ends, built for that vaunted purpose).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Since late last year, China has ramped up its restrictions on exports of rare earths, even demanding proof that they will not be used for military purposes.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Illusion Of Understanding Our minds are prone to systematic errors — cognitive biases that lead us astray despite our best intentions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • It was created with the intention of promoting AI fluency and a future-ready, AI-confident workforce.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These days, Pynchon is a resolute New Yorker.
    John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Their response to the player’s incendiary statement last week was to release their own extraordinary one and become even more resolute in their position regarding a transfer.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These hardworking and focused kids can dress up as worker bees.
    Ella Cerón, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Apply design thinking throughout to boost creativity, stay user-focused, and foster cross-team collaboration, while leveraging digital tools for real-time knowledge sharing and iterative development.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The primary goal of these UBI pilots is to help individuals and families through a transition period.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Success comes from choosing intentionally based on individual goals, financial circumstances, and career objectives rather than following outdated assumptions about what career preparation requires.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What could have been a transformative meditation on mourning too often slips into surface-level spectacle, leaving the audience to piece together meaning from a scattershot collage of influences.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • That's because nudity can take on drastically different meanings.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Saúl is a fixture at his father's bouts and already seems determined to follow in his father’s footsteps.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Her flippers, each more than two feet long, scooped out sand and flung it to her sides in slow, determined strokes.
    M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Saudi Arabia is reportedly interested in acquiring Turkey’s upcoming TF Kaan stealth jet.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • But those defenses, more then Vrabel's new unit, were interested in gap control and keeping everything in front of them rather then penetration and creating negative plays.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!