Synonyms of intention

intention

noun

in-ˈten(t)-shən 

1

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

• purpose
• goal
• intent
• plan
• aim
• idea
• objective
• object
• thing
• ambition
• dream
• meaning
• aspiration
• target
• design
• point
• ideal
• end
• mark
• project
• name of the game
• hope
• pretension
• bourne
• desire
• mind
• wish
• scheme
• plot
• destination
• holy grail
• grail
• terminus
• nirvana

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• means
• method
• way

2

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

• intent
• sense
• meaning
• content
• significance
• import
• definition
• theme
• implication
• message
• connotation
• drift
• nature
• purport
• signification
• suggestion
• indication
• denotation
• essence
• motive
• topic
• tenor
• clue
• hint
• spirit
• stuff
• cue
• acceptance
• subject
• soul
• question
• intimation
• heart
• matter
• burden
• inkling
• point
• core
• bottom
• kernel
• marrow
• nucleus
• essentiality
• gist
• motif
• acceptation
• crux
• pith
• quick
• nub

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

Recent Examples of intention

Conspiracy theories — of euthanasia, of sterilization, of American bad intentions involving CIA spies, of viruses bred in pig cells (for those who kept Halal) or monkey cells (to Hindus for whom the macaque is sacred) — were common. — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026

Akhundzada reportedly made statements reaffirming the Taliban’s intention to govern according to its interpretation of sharia (Islamic law) throughout the country. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026

Last week, the former NBA players Royce White and Enes Kanter Freedom announced their intentions to identify as transgender in order to play in the WNBA. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

The laws often have the best intentions, but unintended consequences come from these things. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026