INTENTION Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'intention' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim , design , end , goal , intent , objective , object , and purpose . While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about. // announced his intention to marry

Q: When is 'aim' a more appropriate choice than 'intention'?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing. // her aim was to raise film to an art form

Q: When can 'design' be used instead of 'intention'?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan. // the order of events came by accident, not design

Q: Where would 'end' be a reasonable alternative to 'intention'?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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

Q: When would 'goal' be a good substitute for 'intention'?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship. // worked years to reach her goals

Q: When is it sensible to use 'intent' instead of 'intention'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention , intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness. // the clear intent of the statute

Q: How are the words 'object' and 'end' related as synonyms of 'intention'?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need. // his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Q: In what contexts can 'objective' take the place of 'intention'?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable. // their objective is to seize the oil fields

Q: When might 'purpose' be a better fit than 'intention'?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, purpose suggests a more settled determination. // being successful was her purpose in life

intention

noun

in-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of intention

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish her intention is to climb the highest peak in each of the 50 states

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intent

the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action she was uncertain of the intention of his frantic gesturing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intention contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intention are aim, design, end, goal, intent, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

When is aim a more appropriate choice than intention?

The synonyms aim and intention are sometimes interchangeable, but aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

When can design be used instead of intention?

The words design and intention are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

Where would end be a reasonable alternative to intention?

Although the words end and intention have much in common, 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 would goal be a good substitute for intention?

In some situations, the words goal and intention are roughly equivalent. However, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When is it sensible to use intent instead of intention?

While in some cases nearly identical to intention, intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

How are the words object and end related as synonyms of intention?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

In what contexts can objective take the place of intention?

The words objective and intention can be used in similar contexts, but objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intention?

While the synonyms purpose and intention are close in meaning, 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 intention Their next date — going to Noah’s game together — cements their serious intentions. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026 As one of several players vying for time at cornerback, Auslander knew his ability to read opposing offenses’ intentions and receivers’ tendencies was critical. — Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026 Those bids for travel overseas provided a clear signal of his intentions. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026 For the first time in years, the Jazz are putting a team on the floor with the intention of winning. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention

Noun

Other independents in the Senate, including Maine's Angus King on the moderate end and Vermont's Bernie Sanders on the left, caucus with Democrats for organizational purposes and committee assignments.

— NICHOLAS INGRAM, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
These varietals are not only tolerant to the high desert environment, but they were also planted with the sole purpose of conserving water and controlling run-off.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Miriam De La Rosa, 42, is facing three counts of animal cruelty with intent to kill or injure, court records show.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The intent is to defer capital gains taxes — which remains a legitimate strategy, but with additional qualifications, according to new guidance from tax authorities.

— Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of intent

Noun

Sitting next to Hopkins at the podium after the match was Chawinga, who came away with a goal and assist on the day.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
The goal was to recapture the way music was recorded decades ago, bringing musicians together to play live, with large instrumental ensembles that, in some tracks, involved more than 90 musicians.

— Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of goal

Noun

In a picture shared in the post taken on Fall Picture Day, Cagle said Burfield had relaxed smile and a sense of ease.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Still The Hairy Ape is, in one sense, a long, furious solo — a man pounding his head against a piano while accompanied by the orchestra — and Beavers ably carries its weight through to the finale.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

The island has hosted a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison since 2016, while Tokyo has plans to add additional air-defense capabilities in the coming years.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
California’s plan to save coastal homes from El Niño could end up killing beaches.

— Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

Old-school luxury takes on new meaning since the refurbishing and renovations that took place here in 2016.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of meaning

Noun

With a physician shortage projected to be 33% by 2033, the Health Technology Bill of 2025 aims to use AI to alleviate the growing demand for physicians.

— Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
The aim is to help a variety of institutions gain insights into the origins of their collections, providing a basis for further actions.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of aim

Noun

Audiences are more willing than ever to consume and accept differentiated content – look at the success of phenomena such as Obsession and Backrooms.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of content

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intent

intention

intentional

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“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of intention

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