Synonym Chooser

How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 intentional Such action by Russia, either intentional or accidental, has raised the risk of widening the war by drawing other countries directly into the conflict. Matt Spetalnick, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 But coming from Alexander Karp, the CEO and cofounder of Palantir Technologies, this concern-trolling about a growing censoriousness in ‘the culture’ feels almost intentional in its absurdity. Book Marks september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 The show opens the week of the election and that was intentional. Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025 They were each charged with intentional abuse of a child resulting in the child’s death, police said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
Adjective
  • Understand who holds the greatest influence over promotion decisions in your organization and make a deliberate effort to be visible to them.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Acutis' canonization marks a deliberate Vatican effort to present contemporary, relatable holy figures who can speak to younger generations about faith lived in the digital age.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That means staying alert to how AI systems influence our thinking and making conscious choices about when and how to engage with them.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sullivan believes Fruitist’s market opportunity is strong as consumers become more conscious about health and are willing to pay for premium products.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The 30-year-old accepted a voluntary provisional suspension on June 2, which will now expire on April 2, 2026 following the outcome of European football’s governing body.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the eight- and 16-bit era, the key art used in a game’s pack-in manual was more intended to stir the imagination.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Many more were maimed, and almost all the carnage was the direct and intended result of Iran’s nascent Axis.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

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