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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
But So Are The Solutions Employee satisfaction is dropping, and disengagement and intent to leave are on the rise. Steve Sonnenberg, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 While Combs is not charged with drug distribution, prosecutors have accused him of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy. Amanda Castro joshua Rhett Miller hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Adjective
The committee this week heard voluntary testimony from Neera Tanden, a former director of Biden's domestic policy counsel, and is intent on securing interviews with several other members of Biden's inner circle as part of its investigation. CBS News, 26 June 2025 The crew for Cooper's long-running CNN show then prepared to move to shelter, intent on continuing the broadcast in the process. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Noun
  • The well was bundled together with another for contracting purposes, and the cost to plug the two was more than $400,000.
    Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • Question: My boyfriend and I bought as joint tenants a home in south Scottsdale for investment purposes.
    Christopher A. Combs, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But showing up authentically and with intention often leaves the strongest impression.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025
  • From deep cuts to dance floor favorites, expect genre-blending sets and energy that moves with intention.
    Essence, Essence, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • The older priest is resolute, determined to once more do battle with the Devil.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • My goal was to make everyone feel connected to her legacy and vitality.
    Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
  • If your goal is to add little to no weight to your beach day haul, nothing beats the Helinox Beach Chair.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • In 1689, Locke examined natural rights in the second treatise of Two Treatises on Government, but his first treatise established the full meaning of those rights.
    Time, Time, 1 July 2025
  • The meaning shifted with American baby showers and Pop culture, like Mattel’s barbie.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • But that doesn't diminish the emotional payoff of watching its determined hero tackle (no pun intended) one obstacle after another.
    Sophie van Bastelaer, EW.com, 7 July 2025
  • The winner of the Kansas City Regional will advance to the TBT quarterfinals on July 28 at a yet to be determined location.
    Gary Bedore July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, at 39, Horford may not be interested in a gap year.
    Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The Contour Face is fabulous for those interested in general regeneration or alleviating signs of aging, but those with acne-prone skin should consider its Clear mask which utilizes blue light, clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • President Trump on Friday surveyed the devastation from the catastrophic July 4 flooding in Texas as the death toll rose and questions swirled over glaring failures in the disaster preparedness plans.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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