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 That said, enough is known about the club’s transfer plans to be confident there is an intention to put things right. Sam Lee, New York Times, 19 May 2025 Reportedly, the Israelis were informed of Vance’s intention to make the trip to the Jewish State after attending the pope’s inauguration, and preparations were intensifying when administration officials suddenly called it off. Noah Rothman, National Review, 19 May 2025 Setting up automatic transfers to a savings account, building an emergency fund, and budgeting with intention are critical steps. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 19 May 2025 My skin care ritual is now infused with intention in each step, turning it into a little skin meditation. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Nothing quite represents a club’s identity like the crest; that is its purpose by definition.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The intent from day one was to have no uncertainty in the dugout and to keep Maresca in place.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Region Matters Rosé can be made almost anywhere, but some growing regions produce it with more precision and intent.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The goal for the team is to build robotic systems that adjust to the environment using just physics, which would require less computing power (or no computing power at all) to work.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • According to sources, Shell did float the idea about dropping the 10 PM hour with CBS executives but that was put to rest after he was presented with detailed arguments — and data — why programming the time slot makes financial sense for the network.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to steer Trump away from backing any Israeli military strike on Iran, wary of a wider conflict that could destabilize the Gulf and derail economic plans, Bloomberg reported.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • However, the plan does not address several costly tax cuts proposed by President Trump in his 2024 campaign, including tax-free tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • These abstract metaphors for legal deformation, social imprisonment, and corrupted meaning are spaces where American experience is currently, frequently twisted.
    Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025
  • As religious participation declines, one important answer is to create secular frameworks that similarly build common meaning and shared purpose among people—qualities that machines, by definition, cannot provide.
    Kim Samuel, Time, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • As with programming across the Totoy portfolio, its aim has been to offer entertainment with educational value, promoting healthy living and positive values among children.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • Since the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, U.S. engagement with Pakistan has been limited and Islamabad has less relevance for Washington’s foreign policy aims.
    Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Fox Corporation announced May 12 that its new streaming service featuring all of its entertainment, news and sports content, will be launching this fall and dubbed Fox One.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • This test rates a PC's performance for content creation and multimedia applications.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intention

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!