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 Set the intention to remain confident in your attitude and interests during the new moon in Leo two days later. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 2025 Evil men with that wicked intention What is your plan? Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 Ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis, with the intention of starting Davis at power forward next to Gafford or Lively at center. Christian Clark, New York Times, 23 June 2025 Administration called a lock out because the intention was to limit the movement in the building and to minimize the chance that the robber would find the high school to be a nice place to hide. Sally Ventura june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
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
  • Tailor content to match their stage, intent and platform behavior to actually drive results.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • This phrase has a clear intent and a violent legacy, and its impact is not theoretical.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 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
  • In 2023, lawmakers said the goal of the measure was to increase transparency.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • There is not an American President—Bill Clinton, George H. W. or George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump—who has dealt with Netanyahu and not, sooner or later, come away with a lingering sense of resentment.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 21 June 2025
  • The writers and creators tried to play down that side and ramp up Lucy’s sense of agency.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • This option could cost the city $1.1 million without a parking lot or commercial lots — or $5.3 million with, but plans note the city would recoup some of that money by selling the commercial land.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025
  • Streetscape improvements are part of an $8.5 million plan by the state to redesign the Main Street and Albany Avenue intersection.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 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
Noun
  • The aim is to remove tariffs and other trade barriers to ease the movement of goods in a continent of around 1.5 billion inhabitants.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
  • The aim is to stop the Iranian parliament’s attempt to nationalize the country’s lucrative oil industry.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • All too familiar with the fixation consumers have on styling a not-so-effortlessly distressed L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is Niko Arredondo, a content creator based out of Phoenix, Ariz.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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