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
The median retirement age is 62, despite people’s best intentions to wait until at least 65, EBRI said.
—
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The Fenty mogul was present throughout the three-week trial to support her partner and, toward the end, brought 2-year-old RZA and 1-year-old Riot Rose with her to watch summations, about which Tacopina said Ri had only pure intentions.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025
Ironically, this mindset often creates a gap between our intentions—to find and nurture love—and our actions of engaging with potential partners.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Not just [by] knowing your lines, but knowing the intention of the character.
—Eric Deggans, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intention
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The Fenty mogul was present throughout the three-week trial to support her partner and, toward the end, brought 2-year-old RZA and 1-year-old Riot Rose with her to watch summations, about which Tacopina said Ri had only pure intentions.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025
Ironically, this mindset often creates a gap between our intentions—to find and nurture love—and our actions of engaging with potential partners.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Not just [by] knowing your lines, but knowing the intention of the character.
—Eric Deggans, NPR, 24 Feb. 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 1 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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