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 While many have questioned whether or not Hunter will be able to play on both sides of the football in the NFL, the 21-year-old has made his intentions clear. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 In these settings, properly understanding human social cues and context is even more critical, as even small misjudgments in intention run the risk of injury. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025 While his character in Abbott Elementary may revel in quirky antics and conspiracies, Davis’ off-screen approach to the craft is rooted in intention and resilience. Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025 Your tone carries memory, intention and relationship. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Federal prosecutors have declared intent to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, according to a court document filed on Thursday evening.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The executive order shows intent, but turning that into impact will be a longer journey.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The key to success is finding the best glycolic acid formula for your skin’s needs and goals, which includes figuring out the right format and concentration of acid.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The seventh-place Lions are only below Chelsea on goal differential and have just a one-point deficit with Manchester City for the final Champions League spot.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In this sense, Biden’s brand of post-neoliberalism fed the body but not the soul.
    Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In a sense, this ichor functioned like a power source or electricity, circulating through the robot’s bronze limbs and fueling his movements and actions.
    Sofia Giannuzzi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The up arrows first turned down in February when Trump and his administration rolled out tariff plans for Mexico and Canada.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • In late March, Gibbs announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Over time, its meaning broadened to include any sudden outpouring or large quantity, such as a spate of words or a spate of crimes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The aim is to transform the system from one in which every medical service has a price tag to one that treats people holistically, and in which adherence to medical standards brings more money to doctors and their office staff.
    Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • This aim is core to Cargill’s purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.
    Pilar Cruz, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But that does not seem to be the case even as less total content will be given out at that price.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Why Trust Southern Living? Melanie Fincher is an editor at Southern Living specializing in shopping content, with nearly six years of experience testing and reviewing products.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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