intent 1 of 2

Definition of intentnext

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
He was charged with seven felonies and a misdemeanor, including four counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Patrick Wilson, Charlotte Observer, 21 June 2026 Build a clear path from impressions to deals by connecting with intent, following up, and having a ready offer. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
As if that were not enough, the desert itself seems intent on killing them. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 June 2026 Yet, Rob-Will walked out of rehab, and is intent on thwarting the ceremonial ranch handover to heir-apparent Joaquin. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Update a short bio that matches your message, then carry that energy into a meeting where your voice sets the tone with clear intention.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • To speak an intention was to limit the luminous sensation of possibility.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
  • Spielberg has been resolute in his beliefs since before Disclosure Day entered production.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the chaos threatening to derail Indiana's momentum, Clark made sure the Fever stayed focused on the only thing that mattered.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • The Senate’s version of Bert and Ernie is focused legislation for the big-time college game, while there are other politicians trying to help out the lower levels where the players don’t have a transfer portal, or can make millions in NIL.
    Mac Engel June 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Controversial red card looms large The story of the game to that point was Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the 45th minute and then was given a controversial red card in the second half.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The younger Russert traded his role as an NBC News congressional correspondent in July 2016 for a decadelong quest to find deeper meaning in faraway destinations.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Jupiter enters your 9th House of Travel and Learning, expanding horizons and refreshing your sense of meaning.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • All etched into the face of a man who spent his presidency fighting to hold together a nation that seemed determined to tear itself apart.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • League One Volleyball has recently begun selling off teams to interested owners who pay expansion fees to take control of franchises.
    Alex Sherman, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • From there, the conversation exploded, drawing responses from interested eaters — or sippers, as the case may be — from around the area.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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