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 The second season continues on in much the same form as the first, still tonally wobbly, still lacking a grounding intention and purpose. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 The intention was to put an end to the practice of those near the end of their lives going to other countries, such as Switzerland, for an assisted death. — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Today’s new moon presents an excellent opportunity to set intentions. — Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The cap space the Avs expect to bank with the intention of adding someone in late February or early March can help. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention

Noun

But more is not a purpose, and scale is not automatically success.

— Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The language of exploitation and cultural extraction gave the battle a purpose that seemed to extend well beyond either rapper.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Additionally, the school published the statements with intent to harm Skains, according to the verdict.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
Attorneys for Shanetta Bossell filed a notice of intent to rely on lack of mental capacity defense, according to court records filed Friday.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of intent

Noun

Drake Maye's deep shot intended for Romeo Doubs near the goal-line was broken up by safety Rodney Thomas II, and the carom was eventually intercepted by Nehemiah Pritchett.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
This pattern is likely to continue away to Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week — Steele kept goal at Old Trafford for a 2-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup in January.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of goal

Noun

Bieber and Gausman are the two names on this list that make the most sense to bring back.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Karrahboooo’s flow, kind of like Veeze or Lucki, manages to feel both laid back and conversational and deeply and intricately rhythmic, an almost enchanting combination made more potent by Karrahbooo’s almost dance-leaning sense of melody.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of sense

Noun

Depending on your situation, a debt management plan, debt consolidation or simply negotiating directly with creditors may be a better option.

— Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Their plan to find a long-term answer at QB appears centered on the 2027 draft, which is expected to feature a more talented class with the likes of Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin and CJ Carr.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

Both drivers were told to stop yo-yoing positions and to instead work together to pull clear of the Red Bull, with the aim of clinching the team’s 1-2 result before settling their own fight at the end.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
What was your way in there and why was that subject specifically something that felt so pertinent to your larger aims?

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of aim

Noun

But a homeowner with a smart thermostat, a small business with a demand response contract and an EV owner deciding between charging rates each need different content, delivered at different moments.

— Amber Mullaney, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The effort will also use some now-widespread techniques in political campaigns, such as geotargeting online ads and partnerships with local content creators for audiences who mainly receive their news online.

— Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of intention

noun

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