intent 1 of 2

noun

in-ˈtent How to pronounce intent (audio)
Definition of intentnext
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

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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

intent

2 of 2

adjective

1
as in resolute
fully committed to achieving a goal intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intent are aim, design, end, goal, intention, objective, object, and purpose. While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.

the clear intent of the statute

When can aim be used instead of intent?

In some situations, the words aim and intent are roughly equivalent. However, aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.

her aim was to raise film to an art form

In what contexts can design take the place of intent?

While the synonyms design and intent are close in meaning, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.

the order of events came by accident, not design

When could end be used to replace intent?

The words end and intent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.

willing to use any means to achieve his end

When is it sensible to use goal instead of intent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intent, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.

worked years to reach her goals

When would intention be a good substitute for intent?

Although the words intention and intent have much in common, intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.

announced his intention to marry

How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of intent?

Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

Where would objective be a reasonable alternative to intent?

The meanings of objective and intent largely overlap; however, objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.

their objective is to seize the oil fields

When might purpose be a better fit than intent?

The words purpose and intent can be used in similar contexts, but purpose suggests a more settled determination.

being successful was her purpose in life

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
Noun
Aside from the incredible expense of achieving a credible European defense posture without U.S. military support, even voicing such an intent risks hastening a total divorce that would threaten the security of both Europe and North America. —Michael E. O’Hanlon, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025 But their plan takes an unexpected turn when Min’s grandmother flys in from Korea with the intent of turning the wedding into a giant party. —Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Soon, mild-mannered Nate is off after the baddies, intent on getting back the only person who has ever seen his limitations as gifts. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025 While that’s become industry-standard for genre epics, Anderson was intent to avoid technical limitations that he’s seen other modern productions bump against. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intent
  1. purpose
  2. intention
  3. resolute
  4. goal
  5. meaning
  6. determined
  7. interested
  8. plan
Noun
  • Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living.
    — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Treasuries have been around for a long time, but their underlying purpose is debatable at best.
    — DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • The intention was clear: Everyone was about to process some deeply felt emotion.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The 13th century sculpted item is currently on view in the Louvre’s Denon wing, where a label says it was acquired during the German occupation of France, with the intention of displaying it in a Düsseldorf museum.
    — The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • Unique, however, is resolute and reveals a personal betrayal.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Even many Republicans who bristled at the tens of billions of dollars in aid packages that Congress approved for Ukraine were resolute that Russia and Vladimir V. Putin, its president, were the aggressors in the conflict.
    — Karoun Demirjian, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • The goal: Eliminate the gross receipts tax portion of BIRT and reduce the net income portion by half by fiscal year 2039.
    — Mike D'Onofrio, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Even when new goals have been reached—voting rights, equal pay, equal employment opportunity—there’s still the monumental amount of work to be done on the other side of the victory in turning those achievements into cultural reality.
    — Cassidy Randall, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • With a fervor that is another aspect of his ongoing meaning to the franchise — a legendary work ethic that remains the model.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
  • But like many cold cases, as with Barbara Newhall Follett, the meaning can only be realized in fiction.
    — Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • But the guard has pushed through and is determined to help Phoenix make a last-ditch effort for a playoff run.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
  • At a time when women were not allowed to wrestle professionally, this dream seems far-fetched, but Burke is determined to succeed.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • The filing indicates that there was at least one other interested bidder for the library assets.
    — Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But Sandhya isn’t interested in those kind of stories.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • The Mercury plan to induct her into their ring of honor this summer — a fitting tribute to one of the game’s greatest players. Want more sports news?
    — John Marshall, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Don't assume the worst will happen, but develop a step-by-step plan for each worst-case scenario.
    — Pamela Furr, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan

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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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