1
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings; that wasn't my intent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intention
the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action
the wording was a little unclear, but I think I grasped the intent
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal
intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in focused
having the mind fixed on something
he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in earnestness
a mental state free of jesting or trifling
studied the dance steps with obvious intentness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 intent
Steve Sonnenberg, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
While Combs is not charged with drug distribution, prosecutors have accused him of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy.
—Amanda Castro
joshua Rhett Miller
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
CBS News, 26 June 2025
The crew for Cooper's long-running CNN show then prepared to move to shelter, intent on continuing the broadcast in the process.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intent
Noun
But So Are The Solutions Employee satisfaction is dropping, and disengagement and intent to leave are on the rise.
—Steve Sonnenberg, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
While Combs is not charged with drug distribution, prosecutors have accused him of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute as part of a broader racketeering conspiracy.
—Amanda Castro
joshua Rhett Miller
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Adjective
The committee this week heard voluntary testimony from Neera Tanden, a former director of Biden's domestic policy counsel, and is intent on securing interviews with several other members of Biden's inner circle as part of its investigation.
—CBS News, 26 June 2025
The crew for Cooper's long-running CNN show then prepared to move to shelter, intent on continuing the broadcast in the process.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
Adjective
-
While many Iranians have left Tehran amid ongoing turmoil, those who remain are resolute in their commitment to stay and support one another.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
The older priest is resolute, determined to once more do battle with the Devil.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
But that doesn't diminish the emotional payoff of watching its determined hero tackle (no pun intended) one obstacle after another.—
Sophie van Bastelaer,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
-
The winner of the Kansas City Regional will advance to the TBT quarterfinals on July 28 at a yet to be determined location.—
Gary Bedore
July 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
However, at 39, Horford may not be interested in a gap year.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
The Contour Face is fabulous for those interested in general regeneration or alleviating signs of aging, but those with acne-prone skin should consider its Clear mask which utilizes blue light, clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
February 2025 Queen of Swords: February’s energy is pushing you to set clear boundaries and make decisive moves, especially in your financial or professional life this month.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
The decisive sequence started off with Martínez bearing down on Freese, his teammate at New York City FC, throwing him off with a wink before placing a cool kick as Freese dove the wrong way.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Among Republicans, the gap is a 19% positive to a 43% negative.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
9 July 2025
-
The influx of capital is a net positive, fueling innovation and scaling operations.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
The absorbed or scattered light creates a unique pattern called the spectrum, which is effectively the substance’s fingerprint.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Although the mercury hovered at only 5°, all of us became so absorbed in the rabbit chase that no one noticed numb toes and cold ears.—
Erwin A. Bauer,
Outdoor Life,
25 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share