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 Desir was equally intentional in his approach, grounding the design in heritage and symbolism. Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 8 May 2025 Fred sits calmly upstairs while everything burns around him, and the allusion to Hitchcock’s Rebecca must be intentional. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 May 2025 Cathy Renna, communications director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, said in the press release that choosing to make this year’s class of inductees all trans was intentional. James Factora, Them., 7 May 2025 This discipline of separating fact from opinion is needed to turn reactive patterns into intentional awareness. William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
Adjective
  • In the careful selection of a pocket square, in the perfect dimple of a tie knot, in the deliberate shine of oxfords, these women continue a tradition of using style as both survival strategy and self-announcing act.
    Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 12 May 2025
  • Managers can help by normalizing those reactions and creating deliberate space for them.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most others are exploring their options on incentives and examining if this is the right path to take. Future of Work – new patterns, new challenges, new opportunities In some policy areas, like International Tax Reform, change has been driven by conscious political decisions.
    Amanda Tickel, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • The boy was found alert and conscious, officials said, according to local ABC affiliate WJLA.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • First, the team worked with cat owners to obtain voluntary samples.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • An estimated 76,000 people, or 16.6 percent over the age of 65, are living with Alzheimer’s in Miami-Dade County according to research by Alzheimer’s Association, the worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to care, support and research.
    CHRISTINA MAYO, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • By enforcing strict identity and access management (IAM) policies, organizations can prevent AI from overreaching its intended purpose and reduce the risk of data exposure.
    Sameer Malhotra, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The young girl was not the intended target, sources emphasized.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

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