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 They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth. Liam Quinn, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Read More: What DOGE Is Doing Across the Federal Government These relentless assaults by the Trump administration have been overwhelming in a way that feels intentional–every day news that another agency, endowment, or institute has been defunded. Sarah Blomeley, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 This was an honest error and was not intentional in any way. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025 These new regulations are meant to reduce the chances of intentional or unintentional targeting of white sharks, which not only harms the animals but also increases public safety risks. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intentional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
Adjective
  • Not an add-on department, but a deliberate disruption team.
    Abigail Stuart, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • These philosophies manifest in Benesse House's deliberate restraint—spaces designed for contemplation rather than excessive comfort and convenience.
    Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The victim, a man in his 20s, was alert and conscious and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, Boisvert said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
  • First responders arrived at the scene around 10:03 a.m. to find Joseph conscious and alert, the sheriff's office said.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At least 2,000 of the agency's roughly 6,100 full-time employees have either left or plan to leave under the waves of terminations and voluntary retirements ordered by Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, Coen told USA TODAY.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Velazquez, 24, signed a plea deal in March for voluntary manslaughter and a gun enhancement.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the solace of a tour in New York at the United Nations will serve the intended purpose of keeping Waltz from ever openly breaking with the President.
    Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 1 May 2025
  • But the intended fix, local homelike centers, hasn't filled the void.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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