intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten(t)-shən 
1
a
: what one intends to do or bring about
b
: the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
2
: a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
3
intentions plural
: purpose with respect to marriage
4
5
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
6
: concept
especially
: a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
Examples of intention in a Sentence
She announced her intention to run for governor.
He seemed to think that I was trying to cause problems, but that was never my intention.
He bought a dog with the intention of training it to attack intruders.
He has good intentions, but his suggestions aren't really helpful.
Recent Examples on the Web
Family, friends, and organizations may also begin setting money aside with the intention of contributing it to the account in the individual’s name as of Jan. 1.
—
Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Leadership is not merely about executing tasks but about approaching work with intention, adaptability, and awareness of broader impact.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The reformulation, as most of them are, was done with good intentions: The original formula was made with talc, an ingredient many brands have moved away from due to concerns about asbestos contamination.
—Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
Deteriorating indicators like hiring intentions, new job listings and temporary staffing suggest a potential slowdown in employment growth.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intention
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Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Leadership is not merely about executing tasks but about approaching work with intention, adaptability, and awareness of broader impact.
—Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The reformulation, as most of them are, was done with good intentions: The original formula was made with talc, an ingredient many brands have moved away from due to concerns about asbestos contamination.
—Lindy Segal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
Deteriorating indicators like hiring intentions, new job listings and temporary staffing suggest a potential slowdown in employment growth.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intention
Cite this Entry
“Intention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intention. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: an intended goal : aim
3
: a person or purpose that is especially prayed for
Medical Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
1
: a determination to act in a certain way
2
: a process or manner of healing of incised wounds see first intention, second intention
Legal Definition
intention
noun
in·ten·tion
in-ˈten-chən
: something intended : intent
the intention of the testator
Note: Intent is more commonly used than intention when speaking technically especially about the criminal and tort concepts of intent (senses 1a and 1b).
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