Synonyms of intentional

intentional

adjective

in-ˈten(t)-shə-nᵊl 

as in deliberate

made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing

I'm fairly sure that your "accidental" cutting down of my rosebush was really intentional

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deliberate
• conscious
• voluntary
• intended
• willed
• willful
• purposeful
• wilful
• purposive
• knowing
• planned
• witting
• calculated
• thoughtful
• designed
• premeditated
• optional
• reasoned
• set
• considered
• elective
• discretionary
• advised
• volunteer
• weighed
• studied
• measured
• premeditative
• prepense

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unintentional
• inadvertent
• accidental
• random
• incidental
• haphazard
• chance
• unwitting
• sudden
• purposeless
• aimless
• necessary
• abrupt
• impetuous
• nondeliberate
• desultory
• nonpurposive
• involuntary
• mandatory
• compulsory
• spontaneous
• hit-or-miss
• required
• forced
• obligatory
• casual
• instinctive
• impulsive
• ordered
• impromptu
• extemporaneous
• coerced
• nonelective
• unpremeditated
• unforced

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

Recent Examples of intentional

Even in more playful silhouettes, Johnson’s focus has remained on intentional materiality and movement. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 20 May 2025

The co-creators told IndieWire this visual association was intentional and important. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 19 May 2025

Each piece played with color and shine in a way that felt intentional, powerful, but still playful. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 19 May 2025

Investigators say the clinic was targeted and are treating the bombing as an intentional act of domestic terrorism. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 19 May 2025