intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

intended; intending; intends

transitive verb

1

a

: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b

: to design for a specified use or future

2

a

: signify, mean

b

: to refer to

3

: to direct the mind on

4

archaic : to proceed on (a course)

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

intender noun

Synonyms

• aim
• allow [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• aspire
• calculate
• contemplate
• design
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• look
• mean
• meditate
• plan
• propose
• purport
• purpose

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

This document is intended to provide an overview of the changing state of our knowledge about the process itself and its impact on our environment. —Alex Goy, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

How is this playing out in 2025? California leaders say that their sanctuary policies are intended to ensure undocumented immigrants can live in their communities without fear of deportation. —Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. —Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Reddy’s family practice is participating in a one-year demonstration project launched in January intended to reduce that burden by having multiple insurers work together in one payment plan. —Bernard J. Wolfson and Vanessa G. Sánchez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Rhymes for intend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• commend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend

Kids Definition

intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in mind as a purpose or aim : plan

intends to travel abroad next year

Legal Definition

intend

transitive verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal

did not intend to kill her