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 Ukraine suggested Putin has no intention to listen to peacemakers in the war. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025 Cosco said that this research highlights how these intentions to have fewer children are part of the root cause of the birth rate crisis. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 Paralinguistic voice analysis focuses on non-verbal elements of speech like tone, pitch, volume, pauses and rhythm that convey emotion, intention or attitude. Harshal Shah, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The intention is to keep kids safe, distracted and learning — while giving their parents a few extra hours' time to pursue their education. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
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
  • As for e-bikes and electric scooters, the village is following state law with no intent currently to take local action, East Dundee Police Chief Joshua Fourdyce said.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
  • Trump has also expressed intent to resume diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 4 July 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
  • Among the mind-body benefits are better flexibility, more core engagement, total body strengthening, and a sense of empowerment.
    Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 1 July 2025
  • Though on the surface the blazing, barking vocals and triple-time speed of the track are seemingly at odds with the Foos’ typical mix of pop hooks and radio-friendly rock, the cover makes perfect sense given Grohl’s punk rock pedigree.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 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
Noun
  • The meaning shifted with American baby showers and Pop culture, like Mattel’s barbie.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • April 2025 The Hierophant: April invites you to seek deeper meaning and wisdom from your life, Pisces.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023, with the aim of modernising the ground while increasing its capacity to 105,000, which would be the largest in European football.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • The aim of the lawsuit is to restore the original recommendation for children and pregnant women to receive COVID shots.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • This content evolution already began after streamers like Netflix and Amazon entered the advertising market, but there have been a flurry of series co-produced and co-financed between traditional TV groups and SVOD services in the last four years.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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