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 Good Good’s capital raise—with the intention of expanding its content, retail, and live experience verticals—was led by Creator Sports Capital and included contribution from Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Can Becca trust Logan’s intentions? Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025 The result is a moment in fashion not shaped by brands or trends, but by individuals expressing their personal style, opting out of the mainstream, and shopping with intention. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 Any one visiting Russia in the past will know when the subject of China comes up, there are perpetual suspicions toward its territorial intentions in the far east of the country. Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intention
Noun
  • It hasn’t been approved by the FDA for that purpose and hasn’t been shown to be effective.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Every ingredient is patented, clinically tested, and dosed with intent.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Steven Lawson, one of the three men convicted in connection with the Crystal Rogers disappearance, has filed notice of intent to appeal in the case, according to court documents.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bryce Young has to be better After building up an immense sense of goodwill, locally and nationally, with his second-half performance from last year, Young essentially melted away in the Jacksonville heat.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Giving people a greater sense of agency.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At least one former candidate – Kansas City attorney Stacy Lake, who lost to White in the Democratic primary for County Executive in 2022 – has announced plans to run at that point.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The bulk of his cases are reviews involving the major Medicaid plans in Ohio.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Actively choose intentionality and meaning.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At a time when loneliness and isolation are rising around the world, families—though never perfect—remain one of life’s strongest sources of stability and meaning.
    Russell M. Nelson, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The aim shifts from corporate adoption to personal leverage.
    Curt Steinhorst, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Talarico was already taking political aim at potential November opponents.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of true crime content is salacious and gory, full of reenactments and shock.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intention. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intention

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