Synonym Chooser

How is the word intentional different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of intentional are deliberate, voluntary, and willing. While all these words mean "done or brought about of one's own will," intentional stresses an awareness of an end to be achieved.

the intentional concealment of vital information

When is deliberate a more appropriate choice than intentional?

The words deliberate and intentional are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliberate implies full consciousness of the nature of one's act and its consequences.

deliberate acts of sabotage

In what contexts can voluntary take the place of intentional?

Although the words voluntary and intentional have much in common, voluntary implies freedom and spontaneity of choice or action without external compulsion.

a voluntary confession

When could willing be used to replace intentional?

In some situations, the words willing and intentional are roughly equivalent. However, willing implies a readiness and eagerness to accede to or anticipate the wishes of another.

willing obedience

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 intentional His consistent, intentional execution of callbacks to earlier moments from his career have made Hurry Up Tomorrow a compelling closing chapter for The Weeknd. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025 Are Polari’s prominent ‘80s references intentional? Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 10 Feb. 2025 One is sluggish and emotional, while the other is intentional and full of movement. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 This feeling of being lost is, in fact, an intentional and playful feature of the design, turning the cabin into a kind of cabin-finding game, where discovery is part of the adventure. New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intentional 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intentional
Adjective
  • Both City and the Premier League claimed a victory after October’s initial ruling that found three aspects of the APTs were unlawful, most notably around the deliberate exclusion of shareholder loans, which is when a club borrows money from its ownership group, usually interest-free.
    Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The reality is this was a deliberate strategic provocation few will see or acknowledge.
    Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In public, Payne seemed conscious of his career’s shortcomings and was clear about his desire to achieve more as an artist.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Here are some tips for cultivating optimism: Challenge negative thoughts – Be conscious of pessimistic self-talk and actively replace it with positive alternatives.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Participation in the club is voluntary, and students do not receive grades or academic credit for participation, according to the lawsuit.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Since the instruction is voluntary, and since the facility is provided and maintained by taxpayers, an inmate should have the freedom to seek religious counsel on prison grounds.
    Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The intended answer, 88 ounces, indicated that a programming or grading error had been made after the child had handed the paper over.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Chouest spent most of that period looking to unload the vessel after Shell, its intended user, walked away. Members who received money from Chouest pressured the Coast Guard to rent or buy the Aiviq from the company.
    McKenzie Funk, ProPublica, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near intentional

Cite this Entry

“Intentional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intentional. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intentional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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