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
Heredia-Chang had been held at the medium security prison since May 7, 2024, while awaiting trial on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distribution of fentanyl, according to court records. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025 Muller, who turned 48 on Thursday, pleaded guilty Jan. 17 in a San Jose courtroom to two felony charges of assault with intent to commit rape during a first-degree burglary, related to previously unsolved nighttime attacks on sleeping women in Mountain View and Palo Alto. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Hernandez is intent on giving Birch passes in space. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 Sheff’s book is intent on humanizing Ono in relatable terms, responding directly the inscrutable image of her held by her detractors. —Beatrice Loayza, ARTnews.com, 26 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
  • More than this perhaps, as Sara Halpern, visiting assistant professor of history at St. Olaf college, wrote to me, the attack had a broader purpose.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Gemini Shuhua Xiong Mercury Retrograde Ends in Pisces on April 7: Rewrite the narrative around purpose.
    — Colin Bedell, Them., 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • From spotlighting local bakers to providing a multi-sensory experience in a design-rich space, everything at Bar One is curated with intention.
    — Bar One Lounge , Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Here’s how to make a course correction and grow with intention.
    — Chintan Shah, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of intention
Adjective
  • The letter offers a resolute response to Ballal’s treatment unlike the one signed by Yang and Kramer.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There is plenty of good sense in the EU taking a resolute stand.
    — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of resolute
Noun
  • How to Eat Fruit for Weight Loss If weight loss is your goal, simply adding fruit won't be helpful.
    — Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Don't get distracted with minor goals or achievements: aim at something big and transformational. Make extraordinary things simple and accessible.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of goal
Noun
  • Every shape, every color seemed to have a secret meaning.
    — Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In an interpersonal context, the phrase takes on greater meaning in the series’ final episode.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of meaning
Adjective
  • Whereas Selena exudes ambition, Pete is inexplicably determined not to advance in his job — which is tricky, since Willie keeps killing his superiors, which means Pete’s bound to become captain eventually, if only by process of elimination.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Flay and their team were determined to change that.
    — Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of determined
Adjective
  • This first-of-its-kind program will accept (12) NYC students who are interested in learning about careers within the media industry.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Those interested in viewing the aurora borealis should check the latest prediction and seek out dark, clear areas with a view of the northern horizon.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of interested
Noun
  • Following your treatment plan can help preserve your vision.
    — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The plan focuses on economic development, infrastructure, arts and culture, entertainment, public safety and cleanliness — driving the work required to create a downtown that thrives for everyone.
    — Shelonda Stokes, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan

Browse Nearby Words

intensively
intent
intention
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Cite this Entry

“Intent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intent. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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